South Korea's Moon vows 'Korea space age' after rocket test falters

FILE PHOTO: A couple watch a television report broadcasting the launch of South Korea's space rocket Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) or Naro at Naro Space Centre in Goheung, about 485 km (301 miles) south of Seoul, at a train station in Seoul January 30, 2013. REUTERS/Lee Jae-Won (SOUTH KOREA - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY POLITICS)/File Photo

GOHEUNG, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korea's first domestically built space rocket blasted off on Thursday, but failed to fully place a dummy satellite into orbit, delivering mixed results for a test launch that represents a major leap for the country's ambitious space plans.

The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri rocket, emblazoned with the national flag, rose on a column of flame from its launch pad at Naro Space Center at 5 p.m. (0800 GMT).