'Naro satellite dead since April'

The satellite launched into space by Korea’s first carrier rocket, the Naro-1, has been unresponsive for months, local media have reported.

The Donga Ilbo, citing sources, reported that the Science and Technology Satellite-2C, launched in 2013, has not responded to commands since April. An official told the paper that the exact reason was not clear.

The satellite is operated by the Satellite Technology Research Center, located within the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon.

The center is reportedly continuing to track the movements of the satellite, which is orbiting the earth.

The STSAT-2C was launched on the third flight of the Naro-1 with a Russian first stage and an indigenous second stage. It was the first successful flight of the Naro-1, had failed in two previous attempts.

It is expected to drop to earth in 2021.