Iran launches battle of technology

Iran has successfully launched a three-meter-long research rocket, carrying a number of creatures into space.

Iran says it shows the country aspires to achieve scientific progress, not military confrontation. But the launch has caused concern in the West.

But it's different to previous rocket launches. This time the Islamic Republic has sent a mouse, turtles and worms into space.

The successful launch of Kavoshgar-3 is part of the country's ongoing space plan, which also includes putting a man into orbit within ten years.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, said, "The scientific arena is where we could defeat the West's domination."

An image grab taken on February 3, 2010 from Iran's English- language official Press TV station shows graphic illustrations of the Kavoshgar 3 satellite rocket launch. (AFP/PRESS TV)