South Korea satellite launch goes astray

       South Korea launched its first ever space rocket yesterday but failed to place a satellite into its correct orbit.
       The launch, called a partial success by officials, came less than five months after nuclear-armed rival North Korea incurred international anger by firing its own long-range rocket.
       The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 lifted off on schedule at 5.00pm, to the jubilation of officials and guests at the Naro Space Centre.
       The Russian-made first stage separated successfully less than five minutes later and the South Koreanbuilt 100kg scientific research satellite was then placed into Earth's orbit.
       But Science and Technology Minister Ahn Byong-man said it was not following the proper course.
       "All aspects of the launch were normal,but the satellite exceeded its planned orbit and reached an altitude of 360km,"Mr Ahn said. It should have separated at around 302km.
       "A joint probe is under way by South Korean and Russian engineers to find the exact cause," the minister added.
       Korea Aerospace Research Institute chief Lee Joo-jin said:"Since the 100kg scientific satellite does not have any onboard propulsion systems, if it fails to enter proper orbit there is no way to correct its trajectory."
       The launch could be seen as "partially successful", he added.
       Seoul has invested more than 500 billion won and much national pride in the 33m rocket.