South Korea's First Satellite Blasts Off

Edited from SkyNews:

South Korea has launched a satellite into space from its own territory for the first time - just weeks after North Korea accomplished a similar feat.

Satellites can be used for communications or for tasks such as observing the weather

The rocket blasted off from a launch pad in the southwestern coastal village of Goheung. Officials told cheering spectators minutes later that the rocket delivered an observational satellite into orbit. It is unclear whether the satellite is operating as intended.

A crowd watches the launch from a Seoul railway station

The launch is the result of years of efforts by South Korea - Asia's fourth-largest economy - to advance its space programme and confirm that it is a technology leader.

North Korea's long-range rocket program has generated international fears that it is getting closer to developing nuclear missiles capable of striking enemies. It has threatened to explode its third nuclear device.


South Korea tried and failed to launch satellites in 2009 and 2010, and more recent launch attempts were aborted at the last minute. The satellite launched by Seoul is designed to analyse weather data, measure radiation in space, gauge distances on earth and test how effectively South Korean-made devices installed on the satellite operate in space. South Korean officials say it will help them develop more sophisticated satellites in the future.

The rocket left from Goheung Space Centre

The South Korean rocket launched on Wednesday was partially designed and built by Russian experts under a contract between the two governments.