Iran: Monkey successfully sent into space, returns safely

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iranian state TV says the country has successfully sent a monkey into space in what's described as another step toward Tehran's goal of a manned space flight.

Monday's report said the monkey was sent up in a Pishtam, or Explorer, rocket to a height of 120 kilometers (72 miles). It gave no other details on the timing or location of the launch, but said the monkey returned safely.

Iran has said it seeks to send an astronaut into space as part of its ambitious aerospace program. In 2010, Iran said it launched a rocket into space carrying a mouse, turtle and worms.

The U.S. and its allies worry that technology from the space program could also be used to develop long-range missiles that could potentially be armed with nuclear warheads.