Korea`s 1st space rocket set for final launch attempt Wed.

Korea’s first space rocket Naro will be placed on the launch pad for its third and final attempt at launch Wednesday.

According to the Education, Science and Technology Ministry and Korea Aerospace Research Institute on Sunday, the rocket, also named Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1, will be moved from the assembly building to the launch pad 1.5 kilometers away at the Naro Space Center in Goheung County, South Jeolla Province, at 7:45 a.m. Monday. Preparations will begin ahead of its liftoff scheduled for Wednesday.

Transported at a slow speed for 90 minutes, the rocket will be integrated with the launch pad system after undergoing a process to adapt itself to external temperatures and humidity. It will then be erected into a vertical position for about 30 minutes with the aid of an installation device around 4:30 p.m. Monday. A final rehearsal will take place from 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Two prior launch attempts failed in 2009 and 2010. Lift-off was also twice delayed Oct. 26 to Nov. 29 last year. If no adverse or abnormal conditions are detected and barring any unexpected problems in the course of rehearsal, the Naro will be launched between 3:55 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

ilju2@donga.com