Korean Launch Vehicle 'Nuriho' First Flight... Launch Confirmed for October 21

Ministry of Science and ICT-KARI to Hold Launch Management Committee Meeting on 29th for Final Confirmation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The first launch date of Korea's indigenous space launch vehicle, Nuriho, has been finalized for the afternoon of the 21st of next month. If the final launch is successful, Korea will join the ranks of the world's top seven space powers. Korea already possesses the technological capability to independently manufacture high-performance medium-to-large satellites such as Cheollian 2A and 2B, equipped with high-resolution cameras. With the successful launch of Nuriho, Korea will become a country capable of launching its own satellites and spacecraft whenever and wherever it desires.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held the 'Nuriho Launch Management Committee' on the afternoon of the 29th to comprehensively review the technical readiness and optimal launch conditions, deciding accordingly. The launch time was set around 4 p.m., depending on weather conditions. Additionally, October 22?28 was designated as backup launch dates in case of adverse weather.

The committee, composed of key officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, thoroughly reviewed the current launch preparations, final preparations until the launch, and launch conditions (weather, potential collision with space objects), concluding that the originally targeted launch date of the 21st next month is feasible. Developed since 2010, Nuriho successfully completed the final inspection procedures (WDR) before launch at the end of August, including erecting and securing the launch pad and fueling and draining propellants.

Currently, final launch preparations such as assembling the flight model and inspecting the launch pad are underway. Specifically, the stage of the flight vehicle that completed the WDR is being separated, and explosives and other materials for actual flight are being installed. The flight model assembly will be completed by mid-next month, and vehicle inspections will continue until two days before the launch. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute will also conduct final inspections and preparations by mid-next month for the second launch pad where Nuriho will be launched, checking communication links with the launch vehicle and various facilities and systems required for launch operations.

Yong Hong-taek, the First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the remaining launch preparations proceed without any setbacks," adding, "We will mobilize all capabilities until the very last moment of the launch to ensure its successful execution."

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