South Korea has launched its first fully domestically produced space rocket.

The three-stage rocket, KSLV-II Nuri, was launched at the Naro Space Centre, Goheung, on 21 October, 2021 (09:00 WAT), with the intention of putting a 1.5-tonne payload into a Low Earth orbit of 600 to 800 kilometres (370 to 500 miles).

The 200-tonne rocket, powered by liquid-fuel boosters, however, failed to deploy the dummy satellite payload used as a test-run into the desired orbit.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute, KARI, says five more test launches will be conducted starting from May 19, 2021 before the rocket carries real payloads.

President Moon Jae-in watched the launch in the space centre and said the rocket programme will continue.

South Korea says the programme is to develop its ability to launch satellites and denies it has military undertone against North Korea.