S Korea test launches 1st domestically made space rocket

By KIM TONG-HYUNG
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s first domestically produced space rocket reached its desired altitude but failed to deliver a dummy payload into orbit in its first test launch on Thursday. South Korean President Moon Jae-in still described the test as an “excellent accomplishment” that takes the country a step further in its pursuit of a space launch program. 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.