Iran launches research rocket

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Iran announced today that it has launched a research rocket into space. What makes this launch unusual is the passenger list. The rocket is carrying a mouse, two turtles, and about a dozen worms. The announcement of the Iranian launch came two days after President Obama made clear his intention to scrap NASA’s back-to-the-moon program. John Pike is Director of GlobalSecurity.org. That’s a defense information website based in Alexandria, Virginia.