S. Korea to make 3rd rocket launch bid in October

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea will make its third attempt next month to put a satellite in space, the science ministry said on Tuesday, as it bids to join an exclusive club of Asian nations with space-launch capability.

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-I), whose two previous launches both ended in failure, will blast off between Oct 26-31, depending on prevailing weather conditions, the ministry said in a statement.

The first stage of the space vehicle is manufactured by Russia, combined with a solid-fuelled second stage built by South Korea.

Currently, only three Asian countries - China, India and Japan - have successfully launched a satellite into orbit.