First Full Version of Korean Space Rocket 'Nuriho' Unveiled: "Only Launch Remains"

KARI Conducts Certification Tests After Moving and Erecting Completed Model at Naro Space Center on the 1st

Nuriho First Stage Certification Model Integrated Combustion Test. Photo archive.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The first Korean independent launch vehicle, 'Nuriho,' has revealed its completed final assembly process for the first time.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) unveiled the Nuriho certification model (QM) at the Naro Space Center on Oenarodo Island, Goheung, Jeollanam-do, on the 1st, then mounted it on the launch pad to begin certification testing.

The Nuriho certification model revealed that day was a three-stage certification model with the first and second stage rockets, whose performance was verified through integrated combustion tests, and the third stage that carries payloads such as satellites, fully assembled. KARI succeeded in launching a test launch vehicle with a thrust of 75 tons, produced in November 2018 for engine performance testing. In January and March of this year, they successfully completed integrated combustion tests of the first stage rocket, which bundles four engines.

This certification model is life-sized and was produced simultaneously with the flight model (FM) scheduled for actual launch in October. On the morning of the same day at 7 a.m., the Nuriho certification model was moved from the launch vehicle assembly building at the Naro Space Center to the launch pad and was erected and mounted over approximately six hours.

KARI also conducted certification tests for the newly constructed second launch pad for the Nuriho launch on the same day. The sequence included ▲function checks of propulsion supply system components ▲independent charging and discharge of the oxidizer tank ▲simultaneous charging and discharge of fuel and oxidizer tanks (twice) ▲separation of launch vehicle fixation devices and umbilical separation ▲transport to the launch vehicle assembly building. The second launch pad, including the core facility, the umbilical tower, was independently developed using domestic technology. The umbilical tower is a 48-meter-high structure that supplies propellants and gases from the ground to the erected launch vehicle.

Meanwhile, KARI explained that the first flight model of Nuriho, scheduled for launch in October this year, is currently progressing smoothly with the total assembly of the first and second stages. The third stage has already been assembled and is in storage.

Kwon Hyun-jun, Director of the Large Public Research Policy Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Once the ongoing launch pad certification tests are completed, we will proceed with full preparations for the launch."

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