South Korea, 2 January 2007 – South Korea is gearing up for an important milestone in its space programme. In 2008, it plans to launch its first rocket, becoming the world’s ninth country to do so.
The rocket, named Korea Space Launch Vehicle, will put a small satellite weighing 100 kilograms into orbit for scientific research and atmospheric surveys. “This means that we’ll have our own satellites and launch vehicles at the same time, laying the foundation for further space development,” says Hwang Pan-Sik, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Korea.
South Korea began developing the two-stage rocket through a technology agreement with Russia in 2004. The first stage is based on Russia’s Angara rocket while the second stage is of South Korean origin, Hwang said.
Between now and 2010, South Korea plans to build or launch a total of nine satellites. Its space centre, Naro Space Center, on the country’s south coast is about 90% complete after construction began in late 2000 at a cost of 265 billion won ($285 million).
The Naro Space Center will build equipment and conduct test operation by the first half of this year. With this development, Korea becomes the world’s 13th nation to own a rocket launch station, and the site will be the 26th in the world.
