S Korea plans third rocket launch bid

South Korea plans to make its third attempt to join the exclusive club of countries capable of placing a satellite in space on Friday.

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Korea Aerospace Research Institute engineers at the Naro Space Centre connect the first and second stages of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1. Photo: EPA

Published: 4:18pm, 22 Oct 2012Updated: 4:50pm, 22 Oct 2012

South Korea plans to make its third attempt to join the exclusive club of countries capable of placing a satellite in space on Friday with a rocket launch from the Naro Space Centre on the south coast.

Science Minister Lee Ju-ho told reporters on Monday that the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-I) would blast off as scheduled, barring any last-minute hitches or problems with weather conditions.

“In consideration of preparations and weather conditions, we have confirmed that the launch is possible on October 26,” Lee said.

A 3,000-tonne coastguard ship has left for international waters near the Philippines to track the launch, the ministry said, adding the rocket would be transferred to the launch pad on Wednesday.

The ministry had previously set a five-day window for the launch ending October 31.

Two previous launches of the KSLV-I ended in failure. In its first attempt in 2009, the KSLV-I actually attained orbit but faulty release mechanisms prevented proper deployment of the satellite.