Iran sent a monkey in a Pishgam rocket, which reached a height of some 120km (75 miles) for a sub-orbital flight before returning. The monkey was okay after his return.

Western nations have expressed concern that Iran’s space programme is being used to develop long-range missiles. These countries are worried that the missiles will then be used to transfer dangerous weapons.

In 2011, Iran had sent a rat and a turtle to the space, but when they sent a monkey it failed.