South Korea will make its third attempt next month to put a satellite in space, the Science Ministry said today, as it bids to join an exclusive club of Asian nations with space-launch capability.
The Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-I), whose two previous launches both ended in failure, will blast off between October 26-31, depending on prevailing weather conditions, the Ministry said in a statement.
The first stage of the space vehicle is manufactured by Russia, combined with a solid-fuelled second stage built by South Korea.
Currently, only three Asian countries, China, India and Japan, have successfully launched a satellite into orbit.
In South Korea’s first attempt in 2009, the KSLV-I actually attained orbit but faulty release mechanisms prevented proper deployment of the satellite.
A second attempt the following year also ended in failure when the rocket exploded in mid-flight.