(Rocket Launch) KSLV-1 launch boom to S. Korean economic growth

SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- The successful launch of South Korea's first space
rocket can contribute up to 2.3 trillion won (US$1.8 billion) to the national
economy, a state-run think tank said Tuesday.
The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) said benefits of
the launch include construction, job creation and positive publicity that can
help exports.
The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1), which cost over 500 billion won, has
generated 533.0 billion worth of fresh work in the local construction sector,
with an additional 362.9 billion won in spin-offs being generated through local
production of parts, components and systems for the rocket.
It added that if the launch slated for Wednesday succeeds, the country can reap a
maximum of 87.5 billion won in positive global publicity that can translate into
more than 1.3 trillion won worth of exports.
"The high-tech image of space rockets will benefit industrial goods made in the
country such as cars, semiconductors and information technology goods," KIET
said.
The KSLV-1, also called the Naro-1, took seven years to build and stands 33m
tall, has a diameter of 2.9m and weighs 140t. The main first stage liquid-fuel
rocket, made in Russia, is able to generate 170t of thrust, with the locally made
second stage rocket able to generate 8t of thrust, enough to put a satellite into
orbit.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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