[Nuriho 3rd Launch] Foreign Media: "Korea, Hope in Regional Space Competition"

Foreign media outlets have praised the news of the third launch of Korea's indigenous launch vehicle, 'Nuriho (KSLV-II)', stating that Korea has taken another crucial step in its aerospace program by successfully placing practical satellites into orbit using its own technology for the first time.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 25th, foreign media such as the Associated Press (AP) quickly reported on the Nuriho launch process, stating, "The three-stage Nuriho launch vehicle, domestically produced in Korea, took off carrying eight practical satellites, including those for observation missions," and added, "This launch will aid Korea's development of a space-based surveillance system."

Before the official announcement from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, AP predicted, "If this launch succeeds, Korea will have hope to catch up in the regional space race with neighboring Asian countries such as China, Japan, and India."

Foreign media particularly highlighted the significance of this launch success in the context of competition with North Korea. AP reported, "This launch will help Korea operate military reconnaissance satellites and accumulate technology and know-how for developing long-range missiles." It further added, "Although Korea already possesses missiles capable of reaching all of North Korea, experts say long-range missiles are necessary to prepare for future security threats from China and Russia."

The Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II), developed with domestic proprietary technology, is being launched on the afternoon of the 25th at Naro Space Center in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Foreign media also reported that tensions on the Korean Peninsula have increased due to North Korea's successive missile test launches since early last year, and that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is attempting to develop sophisticated weapon systems such as reconnaissance satellites in response to rising hostility from the United States and South Korea. AP stated, "Currently, Korea relies on U.S. reconnaissance satellites to monitor North Korean facilities," and added, "Korea plans to launch its first reconnaissance satellite by the end of this year."

Foreign media introduced Korea's future space development plans, noting that as part of the Nuriho project, Korea plans to launch three additional rockets by 2027, with an estimated cost of about 1.6 billion USD (approximately 2.12 trillion KRW) over ten years. AFP listed Korea's past space program attempts and reported, "Korea has set ambitious plans for space, including landing spacecraft on the Moon by 2032 and on Mars by 2045."

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