No Animals Used in Capsule Launch, Iranian Space Agency Confirms

The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) has responded positively to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), confirming that no real animals were used in its recent space capsule launch on December 6. In a letter to PETA, the ISA stated that it opted for humane “simulation kits and sensors” to collect necessary data, signaling a departure from its history of exploiting animals in space exploration efforts.

PETA had reached out to the ISA, urging it to cease the use of animals in its space program. The Animal rights organization commended the ISA’s decision to spare vulnerable animals from the confusion, terror, and potential danger associated with space travel. Shalin Gala, PETA Vice President, applauded the move, emphasizing the need for the ISA to commit to utilizing only modern, animal-free technology for future explorations of the final frontier.

The ISA’s past endeavors in space exploration have been marred by the exploitation of animals, including a 2013 incident where a monkey was crudely strapped into a restraint device and launched into orbit. Monkeys, rodents, turtles, and worms have all been subjected to space missions by the agency. PETA’s persistent campaigns against such practices have previously influenced NASA and the European Space Agency to discontinue space experiments involving monkeys. These agencies acknowledged that the results from such experiments were not pertinent to human astronauts.

PETA, guided by its motto that “animals are not ours to experiment on,” opposes speciesism—a human-supremacist worldview. While commending the ISA’s recent shift towards humane practices, PETA remains vigilant and vows to monitor the agency until it eliminates the use of animals in its space exploration. The advocacy group continues to push for the adoption of modern, cruelty-free technology in the quest to unravel the mysteries of outer space.

For more information on PETA’s investigative efforts and reporting, visit PETA.org.

Not Your Sweatshirt By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Iran Admits to Launching Animals into Space
• SpaceX Starship Launch Under Investigation After Raining Potentially Hazardous Debris on Homes and Wildlife
• Unleashing the Potential of Space-Based Solar Power
• Toxic Space Dust on the International Space Station Raises Environmental Concerns
• SpaceX Site Could Be Linked to Decline in Various Bird Species

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!