Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully sent a first Iranian-designed biological compartment into orbit.  http://english.iribnews.ir/newsbody.aspx?ID=13043

Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully sent a first Iranian-designed biological capsule into orbit. The bio compartment was mounted on Kavoshgar 4 (explorer 4) satellite rocket.The breakthrough has been accomplished on Thursday by the aerospace researchers with Iran Space Organization.The launching was part of a project to acquire necessary airspace technologies and test several upgraded planning systems, including altitude regulation system, telecommunication system, separation equipments, recovery system, thermal structure, and life support system.Logistical operation for the test launch was carried out within an area of 300 square kilometers.

The satellite has already sent down images and data from at altitude of 120 kilometers above earth.The researchers have successfully tested relevant biological operations, including data collection from the biological compartment and life support system.The satellite was fitted with heavily upgraded structural subsystems, nourishment gear, telemetry data systems, live shot and relay system, environmental monitoring system and recovery system.