South Korea rocket test has mixed results

GOHEUNG: South Korea’s first domestically built space rocket blasted off yesterday, but failed to fully place a dummy satellite into orbit, delivering mixed results for a test launch that represents a major leap for the country’s ambitious space plans.

The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri “world” rocket blasted off from Naro Space Centre at 5pm. It is designed to put 1.5-ton payloads into orbit 600 to 800km above Earth, as part of a broader effort envisaging the launch of satellites for surveillance, communications, and even lunar probes. President Moon Jae-in, who watched the launch, said the rocket completed its flight sequences but failed to place the test payload into orbit, adding “the ‘Korea Space Age’ is approaching”.