A South Korean nanosatellite was launched into orbit as part of the nation's project to create a satellite constellation by 2027, officials said Wednesday. The Earth observation satellite lifted off aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from a spaceport in Mahia, New Zealand, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. The satellite, named NEONSAT-1, is planned to be deployed into space at an altitude of 520 kilometers, about 50 minutes after the rocket's launch, the ministry said. The satellite was the first among 11 nanosatellites to form a satellite constellation to monitor and take images of the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding regions. South Korea plans to launch five more nanosatellites into space in June 2026 and five more in September 2027. The launch was originally set to take place at 7:08 a.m. but was delayed due to a potential risk of colliding with another space vehicle and other issues, according to the ministry. Source: Yonhap News Agency