Iran was also said to have failed to place a satellite into orbit in August. The test was that of an Iranian SLV.

The official Iranian news agency, Irna, said Explorer-2 contained a space laboratory as well as a data monitoring and processing unit. Irna said the rocket entered space orbit "with a special parachute."

"The safe stationing of the space lab was the highlight of the test," Irna said. "Explorer-2 is made in line with Iran's strategic space program and in order to prepare the ground for further scientific and technological progress."

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