S. Korea: Satellite working normally, sending data

SEOUL (AP) - A South Korean satellite was working normally and transmitting data on its orbit, officials said on Thursday, a day after a launch that marked an advance in the country's space programme at a time of high tensions over archrival North Korea's recent threat to test a third nuclear device.

The South Korean rocket blasted off from a launch pad on Wednesday in the southwestern coastal village of Goheung.

Science officials told cheering spectators minutes later that the rocket delivered an observational satellite into orbit.

The Science Ministry gave an update on its operations in a brief statement.