Iran to send Persian cat into space

Iran to send Persian cat into space
Heading into space (Picture: Getty/File)

Iran has said it is considering sending a Persian cat into space as the next animal astronaut after claims of launching a monkey earlier this year.


Monday’s report by the official IRNA news agency quotes space official Mohammad Ebrahimi as saying the next animal could be the distinctive Persian cat.

The long-haired breed has a round face and shortened muzzle while its name refers to Persia, the former name of Iran.

Mr Ebrahimi said the launch will happen by the end of March and a mouse and a rabbit are also under consideration for upcoming flights.

Iran's space programme
Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad meets an Iranian space monkey (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Mr Ebrahimi said the next launch would be with a larger, liquid-fuelled rocket that would be launched 72 miles up.

Past launches were done with solid-fueled boosters, the technology for which can be used in long-range missiles.

Earlier this year, Iran insisted it successful sent a monkey outside Earth’s atmosphere and returned it safely.

Officials insisted the monkey, called Pishgam or Pioneer, was sent on the 20-minute flight to a height of 72 miles and returned safely.
