Goheung: South Korea's homegrown space rocket, Nuri, is scheduled to lift off from the Naro Space Center at 0:55 a.m. Thursday, as announced by the country's space agency. The mission aims to place 13 satellites into orbit, marking another significant step in South Korea's space endeavors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) confirmed that the 200-ton Nuri is set to launch from the southern coastal village of Goheung. This launch site is located approximately 473 kilometers south of Seoul. Preparations for the launch have been progressing smoothly, with the rocket positioned on the launchpad by Tuesday at around 11 a.m.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has indicated that the launch is expected to proceed without major weather-related disruptions. This event marks the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket, with Hanwha Aerospace Co. overseeing the assembly process for the first time, aligning with the government's strategy to transition space technologies to the private sector.
South Korea's journey with the Nuri rocket began in October 2021 when the first attempt failed to enter orbit while carrying a 1.5-ton dummy satellite. However, a second attempt in June 2022 successfully placed a Performance Verification Satellite (PVSAT) and a 1.3-ton dummy satellite into orbit. The third launch in May 2023 also achieved success by deploying a next-generation small satellite and seven cube satellites.
In this latest mission, Nuri aims to reach an altitude of 600 km, an increase from the 550 km achieved during the previous launch. The rocket is equipped with a next-generation medium-sized satellite, CAS500-3, and 12 cube satellites developed by local universities and companies.
The CAS500-3 satellite, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. and weighing 512 kilograms, is designed to conduct space science research, including measuring space magnetic fields and plasma, as well as observing auroras. Upon reaching the target altitude, the medium-sized satellite will be separated first, followed by the cube satellites at intervals of 20 seconds.
The total weight of the satellites and equipment on board is approximately 960 kg, which is heavier than the 500 kg of the previous launch. After deploying all satellites, Nuri will execute a collision-avoidance maneuver and expel the remaining fuel, completing its estimated flight in 21 minutes and 24 seconds.