[2021 National Audit] Minister Im Hye-sook "Actively Stimulate Public Demand for Space Industry Ecosystem"

Regarding the Nuriho Launch, "We Need to Find a Different Meaning Rather Than Just Success or Failure" Explanation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] On the 20th, Lim Hye-sook, Minister of Science and ICT, stated regarding the launch of the Korean space launch vehicle Nuriho, "Rather than distinguishing between success and failure, we are looking for other meanings." She also expressed her determination to actively stimulate public demand to foster a private space industry ecosystem.

As of the afternoon of the same day, Nuriho was transported to the launch pad and secured, with umbilical connection work underway. The first launch is scheduled for around 4 p.m. on the following day, the 21st. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the developer, and the Ministry of Science and ICT have a positive atmosphere, citing the successful test launch in November 2018. However, since the probability of success on the first launch in the history of global space launch vehicle development is only about 28%, they maintain a cautious stance.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official recently requested in a briefing, "Please do not call it a failure but an 'abnormal flight'." Even if the first launch fails, since core technologies such as the engine, propellant tank, and payload fairing have already been developed, they can continue to try. There is also the case of Naroho, which succeeded on its third launch in January 2013. Space powers like the United States have numerous cases of rocket launch failures.

At the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee’s audit on the same day, when Rep. Jeong Hee-yong of the People Power Party asked about the success probability of Nuriho, Minister Lim replied, "It is difficult to provide an exact figure, and it is something to be confirmed through flight tests."

Regarding a question from Rep. Lee Yong-bin of the Democratic Party about plans to foster the space ecosystem, Minister Lim said, "We will increase public investment until private demand in the space sector grows to build the ecosystem." She added, "The domestic space industry has only accumulated capabilities for 30 years," and expressed expectations that the space industry ecosystem will be revitalized with the success of the Nuriho launch vehicle. Minister Lim cited the Korean Positioning System (KPS) project, which plans to launch eight satellites over 14 years until 2025, as an example. She explained, "We will establish an independent satellite navigation system unique to our country, allowing private companies to participate and enhance industrial competitiveness," and added, "Private space competitiveness can also improve through 6G satellite communications and other means."

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