Korea launched its first space launch vehicle (KSLV- I), or Naro, from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province at 5 pm on Aug. 25 after seven delays. But it failed to put the Science and Technology Satellite-2 into the targeted orbit.
Naro blasted off 15 minutes after the automatic countdown began. Fifty-four seconds after the takeoff, Naro exceeded the sound barrier. Three minutes and 35 seconds later, its upper section separated. Three minutes and 49 seconds after the takeoff, its first-stage engine was ordered to stop and three minutes and 52 seconds later, its first-stage rocket separated.
Six minutes and 35 seconds after the takeoff, the second-stage rocket was ignited. And seven minutes and 33 seconds later and the first-stage combustion ended. But the launch failed to put the satellite into the orbit.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said it will make an announcement as soon as an investigation is finished.
