The nation will delay the launch of a Korean-built rocket, known as the KSLV-1.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said a launch review panel decided to postpone the launch to the second half of next year at a meeting on July 31st.

Experts suggested the delay, noting that a massive earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province has disrupted the production of some components and the installment of a launch pad system.

The ministry said a test will be conducted on the launch pad system to determine its readiness.

The ministry will continue to run the launch review panel and push ahead with the rocket project in close cooperation with Russia.

The rocket was originally scheduled to be launched in December.