ID :
75997
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/75997
The shortlink copeid
S. Korea to proceed with launch despite ex-president's death
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, the government said Tuesday.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said the six-hour rehearsal to
check the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) revealed no problems that could
delay the liftoff tentatively set for 17:00 Wednesday.
It said engineers checked all mechanical, fire control, signals and electronics
systems without finding any problems.
The KSLV-1 was moved from the rocket assembly building to the launch pad Monday
in preparation for the historic launch.
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.
The former president, who died earlier in the day, held office from 1998-2003 and
was the country's only Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He was hospitalized last
month.
"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.
On weather conditions that could affect a timely liftoff, Kim said early
forecasts indicated there will be little chance of rain, heavy winds or
lightning.
"Winds are expected to blow at a modest 5m per second, and experts predicted that
there will be no lightning activity in the trajectory of the launch," he said.
"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, adding that a last-minute checkup
will be conducted Wednesday morning to ensure readiness.
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.
Mission controllers, meanwhile, said that security has been tightened around the
Naro Space Center 485km south of Seoul with 30 Navy and Coast Guard ships keeping
watch on all maritime traffic. It said four air force jets are to be deployed to
ensure that no civilian aircraft enter the "no fly zone" in the trajectory of the
launch.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said the six-hour rehearsal to
check the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) revealed no problems that could
delay the liftoff tentatively set for 17:00 Wednesday.
It said engineers checked all mechanical, fire control, signals and electronics
systems without finding any problems.
The KSLV-1 was moved from the rocket assembly building to the launch pad Monday
in preparation for the historic launch.
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.
The former president, who died earlier in the day, held office from 1998-2003 and
was the country's only Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He was hospitalized last
month.
"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.
On weather conditions that could affect a timely liftoff, Kim said early
forecasts indicated there will be little chance of rain, heavy winds or
lightning.
"Winds are expected to blow at a modest 5m per second, and experts predicted that
there will be no lightning activity in the trajectory of the launch," he said.
"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, adding that a last-minute checkup
will be conducted Wednesday morning to ensure readiness.
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.
Mission controllers, meanwhile, said that security has been tightened around the
Naro Space Center 485km south of Seoul with 30 Navy and Coast Guard ships keeping
watch on all maritime traffic. It said four air force jets are to be deployed to
ensure that no civilian aircraft enter the "no fly zone" in the trajectory of the
launch.
