S. Korea may put off rocket launch following ex-president's death

NARO SPACE CENTER, South Korea, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea may postpone the
launch of its first space rocket following the death of former president Kim
Dae-jung, officials said Tuesday.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Korea Aerospace
Research Institute said they could move to delay the launch of the Korea Space
Launch Vehicle-1 scheduled for late Wednesday afternoon.
"A decision should be made shortly because the former president's worsening
health had been a source of concern and contingencies plans made," a ministry
spokesperson said.
The KSLV-1, also called the Naro-1, stands 33 meters tall with a diameter of 2.9
meters. Its main first stage liquid-fuel rocket made in Russia can generate 170
tons of thrust. The second stage rocket made in the country can generate 8 tons
of thrust and is designed to place the satellite into proper orbit.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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