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(Image Source: BBC)
BY JOHN O'CONNOR
Iran says it has set up its first space tracking center to monitor objects passing in orbit
overhead.
Iran's defense minister says the center will continuously track objects moving in space,
and that it is ready to share that data with other countries. (via Al-Arabiya and BBC)
This news comes just a few months after Iran announced it successfully launched and returned
a monkey pilot into space. (via KHOU)
But questions were raised about the mission's success when "before-after" photos of the
monkey surfaced.
Photos released by Iranian officials seemingly depicted two entirely different animals. Iranian
officials say there was a mix-up during the pictures' release, and they accidentally sent
out a photo of one of their other space-trained primates. (via The Independent)
According to RT, Iran's latest achievement is a major concern for U.S. officials who
believes it may be bringing them closer to developing long-range missile capabilities.
"Tehran has denied these claims, maintaining that the space program is purely civilian-orientated.
Of particular concern to Washington is Iran's ambition to put more satellites into orbit,
which Tehran says are aimed at monitoring earthquakes, improving security and increasing
military surveillance."
Iran says its ultimate goals include launching its own satellite in orbit and sending manned
space flights. Officials believe they will have both of these accomplished by 2020.