Korea launched the first satellite into space

South Korea today will launch its first satellite into orbit, just four months after the North's similar action.

Seoul insists that a two-stage missile called KSLV-I built with cooperation with Russia will bring observing and peaceful satellite. This evolution demonstrates Korea's desire to become a space power in the region. The launch pad is the space center on an island 465 km south of Seoul.

If successful, this will be the first time Korea launched missiles produced by them as well as homemade satellites into space. Since 1992, the country has put 11 satellites into orbit but all thanks to missiles manufactured by foreign countries and at launch sites abroad.

Korea's KSLV-I satellite on the launch pad.
(Photo: Yonhapnews)

Pyongyang said it would closely monitor the world's reaction to South Korea's satellite launch today.

US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the US regularly consulted Seoul on security issues. " The Korean program is very open, transparent and adheres to the international agreements they signed. This is a contrast to North Korea ," Kelly said.

In April, North Korea put its first satellite into orbit and made the United States, Japan, Korea and some countries angry. These countries believe that Pyongyang's action is only a cover for a long-range missile test.