S. Korea gears up for first rocket launch

SEOUL, July 25 (UPI) -- South Korean scientists are preparing for the launch of the country's first space rocket, officials said.

The Russian Krunichev State Research and Production Space Center has scheduled a hot fire test for the booster rocket July 30, the Yonhap news agency reported. If the test is successful, the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 could leave the launch pad in August, the report said.

The rocket was developed with Russian assistance at a cost of more than $400 million. South Korea has also built the Naro Space Center, 300 miles south of Seoul, for rocket launches.

One KSLV rocket was delivered to South Korea last month. Another rocket is being used by Russian technicians for further tests.