South Korea says it has successfully test-fired its first solid-fuel space rocket

Test follows North Korea's recent launch of a long-range missile amid speculation regime could soon conduct nuclear test

South Korea has said it has successfully test-fired a solid-fuel space rocket for the first time, as it attempts to ramp up its defences after North Korea's recent launch of a long-range missile and amid speculation that the regime could soon conduct a nuclear test.

The South's defence ministry said Wednesday's launch, from a site 150km (93 miles) south-west of Seoul, was an important milestone" in the country's ability to monitor its neighbour, as it would allow it to eventually launch satellites to spy on the North.