http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/09/23/181561_ntnews.html NADJA HAINKE September 23rd, 2010 PART of a Korean rocket has reportedly been dropped near Darwin. The Australian embassy reportedly notified the Korean ministry an unidentified object "had fallen in the city of Darwin, Australia". The Korea Herald said the ministry presumed that the object may be part of the second-stage rocket. Officials were to analyse whether the space junk came from a failed rocket launch, said the Korea Times. Yesterday, the Australian Defence Department was unable to confirm whether any astro trash had been found in the NT. It was reported South Korea's first space rocket fell to the earth and burnt up after missing its designated orbit. The Naro rocket, carrying a satellite, lifted off on August 25 last year. The satellite was allegedly released too late and failed to follow its intended course. Experts at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute were quoted by local media as saying they were trying to track the satellite. But data indicated some pieces may have landed on earth. The rocket launch came at the same time as space junk had reportedly fallen near Darwin. The Korea Times said the Korean embassy in Australia had notified the South Korean Government of the findings in the NT. It said Russian and Korean scientists were investigating the finding. Korean head of science and technology policy Lee Sang-mok said the Government would co-operate with local authorities to identify the debris found in Darwin. Last night, the investigation was believed to be continuing. The Naro rocket, which is 33m long, was on its maiden flight when the launch failed. It was re-launched in June this year, but the attempt also failed two minutes later when contact with the rocket was lost. Seoul insisted its rocket was part of a peaceful civilian space program. It comes after North Korea successfully tested its Taepodong-2 ballistic missile in April. The rocket can reach distances of up to 7000km, potentially bringing into range Guam, Hawaii and Darwin. http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/09/23/181561_ntnews.html ____________________________________________________________________________ ________________ Michael & Caroline Rice <mailto:mc.rice@bigpond.com> mc.rice@bigpond.com <mailto:mc.rice@bigpond.com> 10 Samantha Rd, CEDAR VALE Q 4285 _______________________________________________ Seesat-l mailing list http://mailman.satobs.org/mailman/listinfo/seesat-l
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