South Korea has launched its first rocket. The Naro-1 was launched this morning from an island to the south of the capital Seoul.

The site was subject to heavy naval and air force security to prevent any possible attack or accident. The rocket is putting a research satellite into orbit around the Earth.
 

Earlier this year the south's arch-enemy North Korea was the object of intense international criticism for its launch of a rocket. North Korea claimed it was just a communications satellite but Western governments believe it was testing a long-range missile.