After two previous failures in 2009 and in 2010, and a sudden launch delay on Friday Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1..also known as the Naro rocket.. is waiting to be launched for the third time.
If the launch succeeds, Korea will be joining an elite space club that includes the U.S., Japan, China and India.
With its success, Korean researchers say it would give the nation's space program a huge boost in its goal to develop its own technology to deliver satellites into space.
For now, the Naro rocket is using Russian technology, including a liquid-fueled rocket engine.
Korea is a late-comer into the world of space technology because for many years, Seoul's main military ally, the U.S. had restricted South Korea from developing rockets, out of fear that it would spark an arms race with North Korea.
Even though Korea's space budget is a tiny fraction of Japan and China's, analysts say a successful Naro mission would be a stepping stone for Korea to further develop and accelerate its space program.
Regardless of the outcome of the third trial.. Korea is aiming to launch its first 100-percent, Korean-made space rocket by 2021.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.

Reporter : connie@arirang.co.kr