South Korea officially joined the space race today when it launched its first rocket.

A Naro rocket carrying a satellite blasted off from Oenaro Island, 290 miles south of Seoul. While South Korea has sent satellites into orbit in the past from other countries, this is the first rocket launched on its own soil.

Today's launch of the rocket, built with Russian help, quickly hit a problem. Space officials said the satellite - which is intended to observe the atmosphere and oceans - apparently failed to enter its intended orbit.

It was not immediately clear whether the problem jeopardises the mission.

The otherwise successful launch, watched by cheering crowds, could boost the country's space ambitions. But the North warned it would keep a close eye on the international response.