Ministry of Science and ICT to Develop Measures to Prevent 'Naroho Parts Visiting Junkyards'

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 27th that it will conduct a thorough cause analysis, identify responsibility, and establish measures to prevent recurrence regarding the situation where key components of space launch vehicles, which should be strategically managed at the national level, were leaked externally without separate management procedures.

According to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, sold 10 discarded items, including parts of Naroho, Korea's first space launch vehicle, to a scrap dealer for 7 million won on March 20. Among these discarded items was a rusted iron container box. Inside it was the 'Kick Motor' used in the development of the second stage rocket of Naroho.

The Kick Motor is an engine mounted on the second stage rocket that provides thrust and plays a role in placing the satellite into the precise orbit targeted by the research team. The Kick Motor handed over to the scrap dealer was a Qualification Model (QM) used for various performance tests. Based on this, a Flight Model (FM) is made and sent to space.

The Ministry of Science and ICT explained regarding this case, "The Korea Aerospace Research Institute confirmed that the solid motor, a key component, was included during the disposal process of parts used in the development of Naroho in March and immediately recovered it," adding, "An internal audit to determine the exact cause and responsibility will be conducted by the 10th of next month."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.