Iran Delays Human Space Mission Due to Technical and Funding Issues

Iran has postponed its plan to send humans into space, citing technical difficulties and financial constraints.

"Iran planned to send humans into space using bio-capsules as part of its space program by the year 1404 (starting in mid-March), but the plan has been delayed due to technological challenges and issues in securing funding for the project," said Iran's Space Organization chief Hassan Salarieh, The Caspian Post reports, citing Iranian media.

Western countries have long accused Iran of exploiting its space program to test technologies that can be repurposed for military use, specifically long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Despite numerous UN resolutions calling for a halt to these activities, Tehran has pressed ahead, raising alarms across the globe.

Iran has launched several short-lived satellites into orbit over the past decade and, in 2013, sent a monkey into space.