South Korea Launches Satellite Into Orbit Using Its Own Rocket
South Korea succeeded in its second attempt to place a satellite into orbit using a domestically built space rocket, South Korean authorities said Tuesday, a key step in the country's ambitious plans for independent space development.
Space minister Lee Jong-ho confirmed that the three-stage rocket, dubbed "Nuri," deployed several satellites into orbit after being launched from a space center on a small island in the southwestern coastal area of Goheung.
The success comes eight months after Nuri's maiden flight failed to place a dummy satellite into orbit when the rocket's third stage malfunctioned.
With Tuesday's successful launch, South Korea became the 10th country to place a satellite into space using its own technology.
