One small step for astronaut monkeys, one giant leap for Tehran. Iranian State TV reports that the nation has successfully sent a monkey into space. The monkey launched 72 miles into the air in a rocket named Pishtam, or Explorer. While the mission remains shrouded in secrecy, the monkey is said to have returned alive. Three years ago, Iran sent a mouse, a turtle, and worms into orbit. It’s all part of the nation’s push to send a man into space—or develop long-range missiles.