SKorea prepares test of 1st domestically made space rocket

By KIM TONG-HYUNG
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea is preparing to test-launch its first domestically produced space rocket in what officials describe as an important step in its pursuit of a satellite launch program. The three-stage Nuri rocket is scheduled to be launched Thursday afternoon, weather permitting. It aims to deliver a dummy payload into orbit above Earth. South Korea is trying to become the 10th nation to send a satellite into space with its own technology. Officials say such an ability would be crucial for the country’s space ambitions. Those include acquiring its own military intelligence satellites and sending a probe to the moon by 2030.