Third Time a Charm? - South Korea has announced it will try for another launch of its very own rocket in October. The first stage is build by Russia, but the second stage is developed entirely within South Korea itself, who also integrates and operates the launch vehicle.
South Korea has long term ambitions of putting a satellite into orbit using a domestically assembled rocket, a feat that would allow it to join an exclusive club of nations currently numbering nine. The country has until now sent satellites into space using launch vehicles from other countries.
In 2009, a rocket reached orbit but faulty release mechanisms prevented proper deployment of a scientific satellite. An attempt a year later resulted in an explosion due to problems in the rocket’s electrical system after it had veered off course.
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