The Iranian government on Monday announced it has managed to send a monkey into space. This success proves that Iranian rocket technology advanced rapidly. This has sparked fears the United States.
According to Al-Alam television station, Al-Arabiya reported, the monkey was returned safely to Earth after sliding as high as 120 kilometers into orbit. Iran hopes this mission can be the first step of the ambition of launching astronauts into space in 2020.
"This success is the first step in the conquest of outer space by humans and pave the way for other missions. Monkeys we sent successfully landed safely and alive, is a great achievement for our experts and scientists," said Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi.
Launch rockets with capsules Kavoshgar called "Pishgam" (Pioneers). Iranian news station shows a still picture of a monkey who put in a capsule.
Monkey trial was tied up and seated on a small chair. Not explained what time and where the launch was done.
Previously, a similar effort ever undertaken Iran in 2011, but failed. There is no explanation whatsoever about the failure of the Tehran government and the fate of the monkeys in the experiment.
The U.S. government claimed not to be able to confirm whether the claim is true or not Iran. However, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, Victoria Nuland, said, "If true, it would be a serious problem."
Nuland continued, the launch violated UN Security Council Resolution 1929, which prohibits Iran activity ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. U.S. concerned, this technology could threaten the security of America and its allies in the region.