Iran Claims Launch Of New Space Capsule

Iran says it has successfully launched a test spacecraft meant to sustain life in orbit.

The official news agency IRNA reported that the test capsule was carried by a Kavoshgar-4 rocket some 120 kilometers into orbit on March 15 before returning to Earth.

It said the test was a prologue for sending capsules with animals into the space in the future.

Iran has made a series of claims about advances in its space program, which Western powers worry could have military applications.

compiled from agency reports