The launch of the nation's ocean weather-communications satellite, Chollian, has been delayed.

Contracted launch services provider Arianespace says they are investigating a pressure problem that was detected in the Ariane 5 rocket, which carries the satellite.

The company said Chollian can't be launched on Thursday and will announce if it will be possible to try again on Friday.

The rocket was to lift off Thursday at 6:41 a.m. (Korea time) at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, but the countdown stopped at 47 minutes and 37 seconds prior to the launch.

Chollian is a multifunctional observation satellite that will provide communications, maritime and climate data from geostationary orbit. It will remain in orbit for the next seven years at an altitude of 36-thousand kilometers.