ID :
76232
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 15:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/76232
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(Rocket Launch) (LEAD) Software glitch halts rocket launch: official
By Lee Joon-seung
NARO SPACE CENTER, South Korea, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The blastoff of South Korea's
first rocket was suspended in the eleventh hour due to a minor glitch in its
automatic launch system, a government official said Thursday.
The Russian-built rocket carrying a homemade scientific satellite was scheduled
to lift off from the Naro Space Center about 485km south of Seoul at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, but the countdown stopped with about eight minutes remaining.
"Engineers found the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) had a problem in the
software sensor connected to the automatic launch sequence that checks
high-pressure tanks," Vice Science and Technology Minister Kim Jung-hyun said.
However, there was no defect in the hardware related to the high-pressure helium
tanks designed to control various valves in the rocket, he said, adding that the
sensors probably misinterpreted the data it received.
The official, however, said the 40 engineers of the joint South Korean-Russian
Flight Test Committee are currently examining the glitch to see what effects it
could have on the safety of the launch. The process can take 1-3 days, making it
effectively impossible to set another launch date for this week.
South Korea, which has no experience in building space rockets, has been working
with Russia to build the KSLV-1, also called the Naro-1.
On setting the new launch date, Kim said that every effort will be made to ensure
the launch takes place as soon as possible, although there will be a need review
all technical issues and the weather. He hinted that the new liftoff date could
be set before Aug. 26.
The official, meanwhile, stressed the KSLV-1 can remain on the launch pad without
seriously affecting the rocket's systems for five to six days if there is no
serious change in weather conditions. He said that both the fuel and oxidation
agent tanks have been emptied.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), which is in overall control of the
country's space program, said that if a new liftoff date is fixed, engineers will
require at least two days to check all systems and go through the overall launch
rehearsal process.
"The countdown will begin at 'D-2' if the rocket remains on the launch pad," said
KARI president Lee Joo-jin.
Wednesday's delay marks the seventh time since 2005 that the launch date has been
set back due to technical issues and delays in building the launch facilities.
The KSLV-1 stands 33 meters tall with a diameter of 2.9 meters. Its main first
stage liquid-fuel rocket made in Russia can generate 170 tons of thrust. The
second stage rocket made indigenously can generate 8 tons of thrust and is
designed to place the satellite into proper orbit.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
NARO SPACE CENTER, South Korea, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The blastoff of South Korea's
first rocket was suspended in the eleventh hour due to a minor glitch in its
automatic launch system, a government official said Thursday.
The Russian-built rocket carrying a homemade scientific satellite was scheduled
to lift off from the Naro Space Center about 485km south of Seoul at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, but the countdown stopped with about eight minutes remaining.
"Engineers found the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) had a problem in the
software sensor connected to the automatic launch sequence that checks
high-pressure tanks," Vice Science and Technology Minister Kim Jung-hyun said.
However, there was no defect in the hardware related to the high-pressure helium
tanks designed to control various valves in the rocket, he said, adding that the
sensors probably misinterpreted the data it received.
The official, however, said the 40 engineers of the joint South Korean-Russian
Flight Test Committee are currently examining the glitch to see what effects it
could have on the safety of the launch. The process can take 1-3 days, making it
effectively impossible to set another launch date for this week.
South Korea, which has no experience in building space rockets, has been working
with Russia to build the KSLV-1, also called the Naro-1.
On setting the new launch date, Kim said that every effort will be made to ensure
the launch takes place as soon as possible, although there will be a need review
all technical issues and the weather. He hinted that the new liftoff date could
be set before Aug. 26.
The official, meanwhile, stressed the KSLV-1 can remain on the launch pad without
seriously affecting the rocket's systems for five to six days if there is no
serious change in weather conditions. He said that both the fuel and oxidation
agent tanks have been emptied.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), which is in overall control of the
country's space program, said that if a new liftoff date is fixed, engineers will
require at least two days to check all systems and go through the overall launch
rehearsal process.
"The countdown will begin at 'D-2' if the rocket remains on the launch pad," said
KARI president Lee Joo-jin.
Wednesday's delay marks the seventh time since 2005 that the launch date has been
set back due to technical issues and delays in building the launch facilities.
The KSLV-1 stands 33 meters tall with a diameter of 2.9 meters. Its main first
stage liquid-fuel rocket made in Russia can generate 170 tons of thrust. The
second stage rocket made indigenously can generate 8 tons of thrust and is
designed to place the satellite into proper orbit.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
