Space rocket launch possible in mid-August with combustion test complete: gov't

SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea completed a critical test as part of
preparations for the historic launch of its first space rocket, paving the way
for a potential launch date in mid-August, government officials said Friday.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Russia's Khrunichev State
Research and Production Space Center concluded the combustion test for the main
booster of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) on Thursday. The live test,
in which engineers fill the rocket with fuel, oxidation compounds and ignite it
to simulate an actual launch, was a must for the planned launch.
South Korea had scheduled the launch for Thursday, but postponed it due to the
delayed pre-launch test on the part of Russia. With no experience in launching a
space rocket, South Korea has been working with Russia to design and build the
KSLV-1.
Khrunichev, responsible for the construction of the first-stage rocket,
officially asked for a delay earlier in the month to upgrade its test control and
evaluation programs.
South Korean and Russian experts are expected to set a new launch date in the
near future if there are no unforeseen developments.
"If the tests are a success, assembly and launch of the KSLV-1 can take place in
about 10 days so the launch can theoretically take place in middle of next
month," a ministry official said. But weather conditions may cause further
delays, he said
Rockets are not seriously affected by rain, although strong winds and lightning
can force postponement of a launch.
There are currently two KSLV-1 rockets. The one slated to be launched was
delivered to South Korea in June, while the other is used by Russian technicians
to conduct various tests related to turbo pumps, the jet motor and fuel pipes.
Russia said it has successfully conducted a so-called cold flow test on the first
stage of the KSLV-1.
The rocket, developed at a cost of 502.5 billion won (US$408 million), stands 33
meters tall, has a diameter of just under 3 meters and weighs 140 tons. The first
stage main booster rocket has a thrust of 170 tons, while the smaller,
second-stage indigenous rocket can generate 8 tons of thrust. The rocket is
designed to deliver a 100kg satellite into orbit.
The government has built the Naro Space Center, located 485km south of Seoul, to
launch the KSLV-1 and future rockets.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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