"Iran May Have Faked Its 'Successful' Space Monkey Trip"

[applegrove]

Iran May Have Faked Its 'Successful' Space Monkey Trip

by Adam Taylor at Business Insider

http://www.businessinsider.com/irans-space-monkey-trip-faked-2013-2

"SNIP........................................

Earlier this week, after years of trying, Iran told the world that it finally achieved one of its major goals and launched a monkey into orbit, paving the way for a manned flight.

The monkey was even returned to Earth successfully, according to reports. Iranian TV showed the monkey — unhappy looking but alive — back on Earth after its trip.

However, Internet users have gone over the photos released by Iran's FARs news agency, and many believe that the monkey shown in photographs back on Earth is not the same monkey that went up to space.

As the Independent points out in this photo, the monkey that went to space (right) appears to have a large birthmark over its eye. The monkey that returned to Earth (left) has no birthmark in this place.

........................................SNIP"

[Squinch]

1. Gee, ya think?

[applegrove]

3. I admit that seat the monkey was in on the way up looked duct taped together.

[FSogol]

2. Space travel cures birthmarks!

[Motown_Johnny]

4. Gonna need facial recognition software for this one.

Although I do agree, they seem to be different animals.

[Canuckistanian]

5. A lot of mystery over this monkey

It doesn't even seem to have a name

[RZM]

6. I remember they got busted for faking that missile test photo a few years ago

So I wouldn't be surprised if they are at it again.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/in-an-iranian-image-a-missile-too-many/

[another_liberal]

7. I was dubious . . .

Last edited Fri Feb 1, 2013, 11:54 PM - Edit history (1)

I was dubious when the first reports of this achievement came out. It would imply that Iran had suddenly jumped several steps ahead in the very demanding science of space flight. That did not seem likely, and it seems even less likely now.

My question is: Why would they fake a space shot?

[applegrove]

9. I read a while ago that Iran is having

trouble keeping jets in the air because they have not had access to American aviation technology or parts for 30 years. So that would explain the need for such compensating propaganda perhaps.

[another_liberal]

10. You're right . . .

Last edited Sun Feb 3, 2013, 12:12 AM - Edit history (1)

You're right, they have long needed spares we won't sell them. In the late 1980s they were still relying on F4, F15 and F16 fighters we sold them when the Shah was in power. Selling them replacement parts secretly was part of the Reagan administration's Iran/Contra scandal. Even more bizarre was that the parts were surplus ones we had originally provided to Israel's IDF!

As to your suggestion they may be trying, with this fake space shot, to put the best face on their technical short-comings: I think that sounds very likely. Iran is also unveiling a new "stealth fighter" this weekend, but it looks suspicious.

[pinboy3niner]

8. I'm...

[randome]

11. "And here I go againnnnn!"

[davidpdx]

12. Well this is going to open up the opprotunity for some good jokes

What do you call a country who sends a monkey up in a fake spaceship?

Bananas