[Nuriho 4th Launch] Nuriho Launch Pad Transfer Delayed by Rain Forecast... Erection to Proceed Today

Key Checks Including Fuel and Power Connections to Continue Through the Afternoon

On the 25th, two days before the fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho, the transfer of the rocket to the launch pad was delayed somewhat due to a rain forecast in the morning.

The Korea Aerospace Administration and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute had originally planned to begin the transfer to the launch pad at 7:20 a.m. on this day, but as the possibility of precipitation was raised around 8 a.m., they decided to reassess the weather conditions and determine the final transfer time around 9 a.m.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute convened the Launch Preparation Committee at 6 a.m. to comprehensively review weather information before making this decision. However, they stated that by adjusting the work schedule, the originally planned early morning launch on the 27th would proceed without any issues.

Nuriho will be transported from the assembly building to the launch pad, a distance of approximately 1.8 kilometers, on an unmanned special transporter vehicle at a speed of 1.5 kilometers per hour. The transfer alone takes just over an hour, and after arriving at the launch pad, the rocket is scheduled to be erected on the pad by the end of the morning.

In the afternoon, basic procedures will continue, including supplying power to Nuriho, connecting the umbilical cable for fueling and oxidizer loading, and conducting airtightness checks to confirm there are no propellant leaks. If no issues are found, all preparations are expected to be completed by around 7 p.m.

This fourth launch is the first under the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project, making it significant not only for technical verification but also as the first case of transitioning to private-sector-led production. Unlike previous launches, where the Korea Aerospace Research Institute oversaw production, Hanwha Aerospace, as the system integrator, has taken full responsibility for Nuriho's production for the first time.

The Launch Management Committee will meet at 8 p.m. on the 26th, the day before the launch, unlike the third launch, to finalize the launch time. The currently scheduled launch window is between 12:54 a.m. and 1:14 a.m. on the 27th, and significant changes are not expected.

An official from the Korea Aerospace Administration stated, "We adjusted the transfer time to carefully assess the weather conditions, but the overall launch schedule is proceeding as planned," adding, "We will complete the erection of the rocket on the launch pad without any issues today."