The launch of the nation’s first space rocket, the “Naro,” has failed to send a satellite into orbit.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology held a news briefing after the launch.

It said the Science and Technology Satellite-2 separated at an altitude of 342 kilometers instead of the targeted 306 kilometers.

Minister Ahn Byong-man told the briefing that its first-stage engine and second-stage kick-motor functioned normally although it failed to enter into targeted orbit.

The ministry and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute will set up a Korea-Russia joint committee to investigate into the matter.

The government will also launch its own probe.