Homegrown space rocket set for first nighttime launch late this month

Nuri rocket launch in June 2022 [Photo: Korea Aerospace Research Institute] — South Korea's homegrown space rocket Nuri lifts off in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, in this file photo from June 2022, provided by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute.

SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - South Korea's homegrown space rocket Nuri is scheduled for liftoff later this month.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said Wednesday that the rocket, dubbed KSLV‑II, will be launched at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province on Nov. 27 unless unexpected problems occur, in which case there will be further launch windows between Nov. 29 and Dec. 4.

The liftoff has been tentatively set for between 12:54 a.m. and 1:14 a.m., with the exact time to be decided the previous day.

KARI's head researcher Han Young-min admitted concerns about fatigue among the crew due to the early morning launch but expressed confidence in the mission's success, vowing to minimize any human error.

The mission is to put a next-generation medium-sized satellite into orbit approximately 600 km above Earth's surface to observe the planet's magnetic field and auroras. Along with the main satellite, the launch vehicle will also carry 12 smaller satellites.

The launch will be particularly notable as it marks the first civilian-led mission, with Hanwha Aerospace participating in the rocket's production and assembly, a key step toward fostering a private-sector space industry ecosystem.

Lee Hugh