The South Korean rocket launch earlier today occurred successfully — unfortunately, as was the case with this nation's counterpart to the north, the satellite never arrived at its intended orbit. Putting a positive spin on the launch was the South Korean Science Ministry, which called the event a partial success, due to the fact that the satellite itself did separate from the rocket and then decided to attend to a different orbit. The plan was for the satellite to be engaged in Earth observation of studying the atmosphere as well as the oceans. The satellite was boosted into space via a two-stage, Russian built, Naro rocket from Oenaro Island, which is South Korea's designated space center. The liftoff occurred at 5:00 p.m. (0800 GMT, 4:00 a.m. EDT) and this was the nation's first launch of a rocket from within their own borders. Given the worldwide negative reaction to the North Korean launch a few months ago, comparisons between the South Korean launch and the North Korean launch are inappropriate, say South Korean officials, as the Naro liftoff and the satellite itself is designed for peaceful purposes and was totally conducted within full view of the world.