Rocket Launch) (LEAD) S. Korea to proceed with launch despite ex-president's death

(ATTN: CHANGES to dateline; UPDATES with more information, comments from para 3)
NARO SPACE CENTER, South Korea, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will move forward
with the launch of its first space rocket as scheduled, despite the death of
former President Kim Dae-jung, officials said Tuesday.

The rocket, named the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1), is scheduled to
blast off from the Naro Space Center, 485km south of Seoul, late Wednesday
afternoon.
Kim, South Korea's president from 1998-2003 and the country's only Nobel Peace
Prize laureate, died earlier in the day, raising speculation that the liftoff may
be delayed.
Vice Education and Science Minister Kim Jung-hyun told reporters that while
launch controllers seriously contemplated putting off the launch in observance of
national mourning, a delay at this juncture could seriously affect the timetable
of the program. The liftoff date had already been put off six times due to
technical issues and problems in the construction of various facilities.
"We have consulted the former president's family and aides and received
understanding on the need to follow through with the launch," he said. The
official, however, said that all post-launch celebrations and events will be
canceled or scaled back.
The vice minister, meanwhile, said that the full scale "rehearsal" for the launch
conducted on the rocket throughout the day showed no problems that may hinder the
launch.
The KSLV-1 was moved from the rocket assembly building to the launch pad on Monday.
He said that with the exception of injecting fuel and oxidation agents, all
mechanical, signal and control systems have been checked in detail.
He added that tests will be conducted until Wednesday to make sure there are no
technical problems.
On weather that could affect a timely liftoff, Kim said early forecasts indicated
there will be little chance of rain, heavy winds or lightning.
"We expect the blastoff to take place around 17:00, but the exact time for the
launch will be announced at 13:30," he said.
The KSLV-1, also called the Naro-1, stands 33m tall with a diameter of 2.9m. Its
main first stage liquid-fuel rocket, made in Russia, can generate 170t of thrust.
The second stage rocket, made in the country, can generate 8t of thrust and is
designed to place the satellite into orbit.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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