The second launch of the homegrown space rocket Nuri will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

First Vice Minister of Science and ICT Oh Tae-Seog made the announcement in a briefing held at 2:30 p.m. at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province.

The liftoff time was confirmed during a launch management committee meeting chaired by the vice minister that convened at 2 p.m.

The committee reviewed various factors such as technical preparations, the weather and a possible collision with space objects, and determined that 4 p.m. sharp was the optimal time.

Weather conditions at the space center pertaining to launch standards are favorable with a slim possibility of lightning or downpours, according to vice minister Oh.

He said the goal of the second test launch, with an emphasis on the word "test," is to accurately put a satellite into orbit.

Oh said the first contact with the performance verification satellite will take place 42 minutes after liftoff and confirmation that it is operating properly can be ascertained 18 hours later at around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rocket was loaded with fuel and oxidizers earlier in the afternoon at around 3 p.m.