South Korean satellite apparently fails to enter intended orbit

S. Korean satellite fails to enter intended orbit

GOHEUNG, South Korea — An official says South Korea’s first rocket launch has developed a problem after liftoff.

Science and Education Minister Ahn Byong-man said Tuesday that an initial investigation shows the satellite the rocket was carrying apparently failed to enter its intended orbit.

Ahn told reporters that South Korean and Russian scientists are looking into the problem. It was not immediately clear whether it jeopardizes the success of the launch.

It is South Korea’s first launch of a rocket from its own territory. Since 1992, it has launched 11 satellites, all on foreign-made rockets sent from overseas sites.