"Nuriho 2nd Launch Scheduled for 21st... Problematic Parts Replaced, Normal Operation Confirmed (Summary)"

"Confirmed No Issues with Steps 1, 2, and 3"... Schedule May Change Depending on Weather

On the 15th, one day before the second launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II), Nuriho stands upright on the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) will conduct the second launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II) on the 21st of this month.

Kwon Hyun-jun, Director of the Large-scale Public Research Policy Division at MSIT, stated in an online briefing on the 17th, "We held a Launch Management Committee meeting and decided to proceed with the second launch on the 21st, which is within the tentative launch window."

The originally scheduled tentative launch window was until the 23rd of this month.

Director Kwon explained, "(Upon inspection) we confirmed an error in the level sensor that measures the height in the oxidizer tank level measurement system," adding, "Initially, we thought it was necessary to separate the connection between stages 1 and 2 to replace the faulty level sensor, but the researchers at KAIST found a solution to fix the error by replacing only the core component after a more detailed review."

He continued, "This afternoon, we replaced the component and confirmed normal operation," and added, "We verified that there are no abnormalities in stages 1, 2, and 3."

Director Kwon said, "We plan to transport Nuriho to the launch pad on the 20th and will continue inspections during the remaining period," but added, "However, the launch date may change depending on future weather conditions."

Earlier, on the 15th, the day before the scheduled launch, KAIST moved Nuriho to the launch pad, performed the erection operation, connected the electrical umbilical equipment, and checked electrical components, during which an abnormal signal was detected from the oxidizer level sensor.

The oxidizer level sensor is installed on the lid of the oxidizer tank in stage 1 of Nuriho and measures the filling level of the oxidizer, liquid oxygen.

Normally, the sensor's signal value should change during the erection operation, but an error was found where the sensor's signal remained constant.

On the afternoon of the 15th, after receiving this report, the Nuriho Launch Management Committee decided to move Nuriho back to the assembly building to identify the problematic part and cause. Accordingly, Nuriho was taken down from the launch pad and moved to the assembly building, where KAIST technicians began inspecting the launch vehicle from the morning of the 16th.

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