Tags: Satellite Launch, South Korea, KSLV
Publication: LATimes.com
Publication Date: 01/30/2013

Click on the image to watch The Guardian’s video of the launch. Image credit: The Guardian

After two previous failed attempts and a number of postponements, South Korea has finally succeeded in launching a satellite into space. The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) placed the South Korean Earth observation satellite into orbit on Wednesday.

According to South Korea, the satellite is designed to collect and study weather data, measure radiation in space, and, ultimately, test how efficiently indigenous devices installed on the spacecraft operate in space. The country will use this as a test to develop more sophisticated satellites in the future.

The rocket’s first stage was designed and built by Russia under a contract between the two governments.

The success comes amid increased tensions with North Korea as it threatens to conduct its third nuclear test after a successful long-range missile launch that placed a supposed satellite – believed to be inoperable – into orbit last month. However, the South’s accomplishment comes after many years of efforts by the country to advance its space program and capitalize on its position as a global technology powerhouse.

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