The U.S. space program launched a rhesus monkey into space from New Mexico in 1948.

CNN: Reports: Monkey soars from Iran into space -- and back

The Islamic Republic of Iran says it successfully sent a monkey into space on Monday and retrieved the animal alive.

FORBES: Iran's Space Program Isn't Monkeying Around

"Sending (the monkey into space) and retrieving it was the first step for sending humans into space, " Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

CNN: Reports: Monkey soars from Iran into space -- and back