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Korea's space industry is almost ready to rocket. The lower half of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 arrives at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province.
The propulsion system for the first rocket to be launched in Korea was built with Russian help while the upper half is of Korean design.
The gigantic truck steadily takes 20 minutes to trail the KSLV-1 rocket from 500 meters behind in order to prevent any possible damage.
Expectations are rising for the low orbit launch of the 140-ton KSLV-1 launcher between April and June of next year, as well as the lunar landing ship planned for 2025.
The government will invest W3.6 trillion (US$1=W1,047) in the aerospace industry over coming decades.
Although the official launch has been postponed from December to the second quarter of next year, the launch pad is already finished and the main control room is ready to go.
Korea is a late starter in space exploration, with the dozen Korean satellites currently orbiting sent by foreign-launched rockets.
However, when the Naro Space Center is in full operation the country will be the 13th nation to have its own space center. Experts are viewing this as a significant stepping stone as the country expands its reputation for technical expertise into commercial space exploration.
Arirang News
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