South Korea uses homegrown rocket to put satellite into orbit
Three-stage KSLV-II Nuri is the first domestically built space launch vehicle to use only South Korean rocket technology.
South Korea has launched its first commercial satellite using a domestically produced space rocket, marking an important step in its efforts to become a major player in an increasing space race with its Asian neighbors.
The Nuri rocket lifted off at 6:24 p.m. (09:24 GMT) on Thursday from the Naro Space Center on South Korea’s southern coast, in its third flight after its planned launch for Wednesday was canceled due to technical problems.
President Yoon Suk-yeol hailed the launch as an important step that places South Korea among the top seven countries that have launched domestically produced satellites into orbit with their domestically built space launch vehicles.
“This will greatly change the way the world views South Korea’s space science technology and advanced industry,” said Yoon.
On Wednesday, the ministry had called off a planned launch just hours before its scheduled time due to technical problems, which officials described as communication errors within the system that controls a helium tank on the launch pad.
They said the problem was solved overnight after work.
The three-stage KSLV-II Nuri is the first domestically built space launch vehicle to use only South Korean rocket technology, with three more flights expected by 2027.
The Nuri is key to the country’s ambitious plans to jump-start its burgeoning space program and drive progress in 6G networks, spy satellites and even lunar probes.
Seoul also plans to launch military satellites, but has ruled out any use of weapons for the Nuri. With a heated arms race in Asia, launches into space have long been a delicate issue.
Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he was seeking more advanced weapon systems, including a spy satellite, to deal with what he calls the intensification of US and South Korean hostilities.
Analysts say Kim wants to use an extensive arsenal of weapons to get bigger concessions from Washington in future deals.