S. Korea satellite fails to reach intended orbit

South Korea has failed to send its satellite, launched by its first space rocket, into its target orbit. The South Korean government says it was a problem of the payload fairing system.

Tuesday's pre-launch steps went smoothly, and the space rocket lifted off from its launch pad as planned.

During the 10-minute flight, the space rocket separated as planned, and the satellite also fired and got off the second stage.

However, the satellite ended up 36-km higher than its target altitude.

Ahn Byung-man, South Korea's Educ. & Science Minister, said, "According to our results the scientific satellite was unable to reach the targeted orbit."