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Article updated: 1/30/2013 9:04 AM

South Korea launches rocket weeks after North Korea

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South Korea says it has successfully launched a satellite into orbit from its own soil for the first time. Wednesday's high-stakes launch comes just weeks after archrival North Korea successfully launched its own satellite to the surprise of the world.

Associated Press/ Korea Aerospace Research Institu

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South Korea launched a satellite into space from its own soil for the first time Wednesday amid increased tensions after archrival North Korea accomplished a similar feat and was condemned by the United Nations. Science officials told cheering spectators minutes later that the rocket delivered an observational satellite into orbit.