Iran Plans to Send Animals into Space

From Fars News Agency:

Iran's Aerospace Research Institute said the country plans to launch further exploratory rockets into space with live animals aboard, paving the way for manned space flights.

Mohammad Ebrahimi, deputy head of Iran's Aerospace Research Institute, said Tuesday Iran plans to send Kavoshgar (Explorer) 3 and 4 rockets into space in the near future.

The Kavoshgar 2 was successfully launched on Wednesday. The rocket consisted of a carrier, space-lab and restoration system.

Ebrahimi said the rocket analyzed air pressure and wind speed, and conducted astronomical tests at altitudes of 50 to 200 km (30 to 125 miles).

The Kavoshgar 2 is a two-stage solid fuel rocket capable of carrying a small payload and reentering the lower atmosphere with a high degree of accuracy.

The Iranian scientist said future rockets would be designed to carry live animals. Such an ability would pave the way for Iran to send men into space, he added.