South Korea aims for space in 2017

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- South Korea said Monday it will push for the exploration of planets as early as 2017, an official said Monday, as Seoul seeks to join the exclusive space club.

South Korea will spend 3.8 trillion won (U.S. $4 billion) over the next 10 years to secure technologies in building satellites and rockets, said Jeong Hae-yang, an official of the Science and Technology Ministry.

The space exploration is "an investment for the future," said Jeong, adding that the exploration will help resource-poor South Korea secure resources in space.

The ambitious project -- made public at a hearing Monday -- will be finalized in June, according to the ministry.

South Korea also plans to join international space exploration programs, including the international space station, to help master core technologies in building satellites and rockets, said Jeong.

Since 1992, South Korea has launched nine satellites, mostly for space and ocean observation and communications as well as military communications.

Source: SCIENCE & SPACE