"The third Iranian Kavoshgar rocket will be sent into the space by the end of the current (Iranian) year (ending on March 20) to do research studies," Mohammad Ebrahimi, 'Kavoshgar Project' Manager, said in a ceremony marking the 'Space Week' here in Tehran.
Iran launched its first research rocket on Feb. 4 when it also announced activity of its first space center and its first indigenous satellite - called Omid, or Hope.
Pointing out that Kavoshgar 3 rockets can be employed in different researches and tests, Ebrahimi reiterated the rockets can be sent to altitudes between 50 and 150 km in height which, he said, is a no fly zone for aircrafts and satellites.
Iran's Kavoshgar 2 was successfully launched in December 2008. The rocket consisted of a carrier, space-lab and restoration system.
The rocket analyzed air pressure and wind speed, and conducted astronomical tests at altitudes of 50 to 200 km (30 to 125 miles).
Kavoshgar 2 was a two-stage solid fuel rocket capable of carrying a small payload and reentering the lower atmosphere with a high degree of accuracy.
Iran has long declared a goal of developing a space program. The country's space program, like the nuclear power program, has provoked unease for those opposing Iran's progress and prosperity.
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