The launch of South Korea's Nuri rocket (KSLV-Ⅱ) is in its final countdown.
The launch is scheduled for 12:25 PM today.
This marks the fifth space mission from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Gwangju.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Korea Space Launch Management Committee finalized the launch time at 8 AM today.
The committee conducted a comprehensive review of the rocket's technical readiness, weather conditions, space environment, and potential collision risks with nearby space objects to ensure the five small satellites reach their target orbits.
The Nuri rocket was moved to the launch pad on October 6, where it was erected and connected to umbilicals for fuel and electrical supply.
Weather conditions have been confirmed as suitable for launch. The temperature, precipitation, and pressure around the Naro Space Center all meet launch criteria, with an average ground wind speed of 2 meters per second and a maximum gust of 5 meters per second.
High-altitude winds, which could affect the rocket's ascent, were analyzed using weather observation equipment deployed to about 20 kilometers above ground the previous day, and they also met launch criteria. Clear weather is expected in the Goheung area, reducing the likelihood of launch restrictions due to lightning.
No significant risks were identified regarding potential collisions between the Nuri rocket's flight path and tracked space objects, including the International Space Station, operational satellites, and space debris.
The launch window is from 12:23 PM to 1:23 PM, but the committee has set the final launch time at 12:25 PM, considering the target orbit and other conditions.
Ten minutes before launch, at 12:15 PM, the Nuri rocket will enter automatic operation mode.
It will then conduct a self-check before igniting the first-stage engine four seconds prior to launch. Once normal output is reached, the rocket's hold-down mechanism will release, allowing it to lift off into space.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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