TEHRAN, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran launched successfully a space rocket, which is called "Kavosh 2" (Explore 2), the website of Iran's state TV IRIB reported on Wednesday.

    "The rocket was launched into the space and after completing its mission returned to the earth using parachute," the report said.

    The experiment was done within the framework of the country's "strategic space program" and "preparation for scientific and technological developments in the space" by the Iranian experts of Air-Space Research Center.

    Reportedly, "Kavosh 2" comprises three main parts of "carrier system, space-lab system and restoration system."

    Iran launched a homemade satellite-carrier rocket named Safir (Messenger) in August, arousing Western governments' concerns over its purpose that Iran is developing long-range ballistic missile technology, which can be used to launch nuclear weapons.

    Safir was Iran's first domestically made satellite carrier, which was capable of putting lightweight satellites into low earth orbit.

    The launch of Safir rocket is aimed to test remote sensing, satellite telemetry, and geographic information system technology as well as remote and ground station data processing, according to Iran's satellite channel Press TV.

    Iranian officials have said Iran has plans to put a "series of satellites" into space by 2010 to aid natural disaster management programs and improve telecommunications.