Iranian space officials have confirmed that the Kavoshgar I rocket has successfully transmitted scientific data back to the country.

The rocket transmitted information after reaching an orbit of 200-250 kilometers (125-155 miles) above the earth, deputy head of Iran's Aerospace Association, Mehran Mirshams, said.

"Iran will launch its first satellite into a 650-kilometer (400-mile) orbit in June," Mirshams was quoted as saying to Iranian state television.

He said the satellite would pass over Iran five or six times in 24 hours.

Iran says Kavoshgar I has been designed to gather meteorological data and because natural disasters often happen in Iran, the country requires accurate environmental data.

Iran launched the Kavoshgar sounding rocket as a preliminary step toward putting the country's first advanced scientific research satellite 'Omid' into orbit.

MT/JG/BGH