South Korea Launches Rocket Carrying Satellite into Orbit

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(SEOUL, South Korea) -- It looks like the third time's a charm for South Korea.  The country said on Wednesday that it successfully launched a rocket carrying a satellite into orbit after two previous failed attempts.

The 140-ton rocket named Naro blasted off from the Naro Space Center at around 4 p.m. local time.

While weather conditions had looked less than perfect on Wednesday, there has been considerable pressure on South Korea to carry out a launch due to recent threats from North Korea.

Wednesday's launch was also South Korea’s last chance with Russian backing.  Russia has said it would back a maximum of three attempts and after that, South Korea must find another partner.

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