Seoul:South Korea intends to launch a solid-fuel space rocket by the end of this year after a previous postponement in June due to safety issues, as confirmed by the defense ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Mir space rocket's initial launch was scheduled for June 30 from the southern coast near Jeju Island. However, the launch was canceled after issues were detected during the final stages of preparation. A defense ministry official stated that efforts are underway to resume the launch before the year's end.

The ministry has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the technical aspects and other conditions. Final preparations are in progress to ensure optimal launch conditions. However, an exact launch date has not yet been determined, as the ministry plans to consider weather conditions and the progress of preparations.

If the launch proceeds, it will be the first test of the rocket in a fully assembled four-stage configuration. Previous trials in 2022 and 2023 focused on three-stage configurations. The development of the solid-propellant space launch vehicle began in 2021, aiming to enhance South Korea's independent spy satellite capabilities to monitor North Korean activities more effectively. The last launch occurred in December 2023.

Solid-fuel space vehicles offer a simpler structure and shorter preparation time compared to liquid-fueled rockets, allowing for a rapid response when a launch is necessary. The military plans to use the solid-fuel space rocket to deploy microsized spy satellites in the future.