South Korea launches satellite into space weeks after North Korea fires long-range rocket into orbit
Worldwide, Daily news | ankakh | January 30, 2013 21:46
South Korea successfully launched a satellite into space today from its own soil for the first time, a point of national pride that came weeks after arch-rival North Korea accomplished a similar feat to the surprise of the world.
The launch is a culmination of years of efforts by South Korea – Asia’s fourth-largest economy – to advance its space program and cement its standing as a technology powerhouse whose semiconductors, smartphones and automobiles command global demand.
Both Koreas see the development of space programs as crucial hallmarks of their scientific prowess and national pride, and both had high-profile failures before success.
South Korea tried and failed to launch satellites in 2009 and 2010, and more recent launch attempts were aborted at the last minute.
South Korean officials said it will help them develop more sophisticated satellites in the future.
The South Korean rocket launched today had its first stage designed and built by Russian experts under a contract between the two governments.
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