spacetoday.net: South Korea prepares for first launch

Posted: Tue, Aug 4, 2009, 6:43 AM ET (1043 GMT)
KSLV-1 launch vehicle (KARI)

The launch of South Korea's first orbital launch vehicle is scheduled for next week, although technical issues could delay the launch. South Korean officials said Saturday that the launch of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle 1 (KSLV-1), also known as Naro-1, is planned for August 11. The launch had been previously scheduled for late July but was delayed because of additional testing. Tuesday, though, officials said that the launch could be further delayed to allow additional time for studying an engine firing test that took place last week. The launch vehicle, developed with technical support from Russia and using a lower stage originally developed for Russia's Angara launcher, is designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit. The KSLV-1 will launch from a new facility in the southwestern part of South Korea. The inaugural KSLV-1 launch will carry a small experimental satellite.