South Korea aims for the Stars

By Park Sae-jin Posted : October 24, 2012, 16:04 Updated : October 24, 2012, 16:04
According to the AFP South Korea aims to join the ranks of space faring nations this Friday (Oct. 26) by blasting a small experimental satellite to orbit, according to media reports.

Korea will attempt to loft a test satellite atop its Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 rocket, or KSLV-1, from the Naro Space Center on Friday, weather permitting, South Korean officials said Monday.

“We have confirmed after considerations of weather conditions and preparations for the launch that the launch will be possible on October 26,” Minister of Education, Science and Technology Lee Ju-ho told reporters, according to South Korea‘s Yonhap news agency. “However, even through preparations will be made for October 26, the launch may be delayed if rainfall becomes imminent or very likely on the scheduled date.”

Regardless of the outcome of Friday’s launch, Seoul plans to move ahead with a second five-year space development program that seeks to develop its own main thrust engine.

Under the long-term development plan, the country plans to develop a 10-ton thrust engine by 2016, followed by the development and test launch of a 75-ton thrust engine in 2018. It seeks to launch its first indigenous space rocket in 2021.

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