SEOUL & YEOSU, May 25 (Korea Bizwire) — On May 25, the Korean launch vehicle Nuri (KSLV-II) successfully completed its third launch, reaching its intended altitude of 550 kilometers. During the launch, the rocket effectively separated its eight payloads, which included the main satellite called Next Generation Small Satellite-2.
Nuri, the name of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-II (KSLV-II) rocket, holds the meaning of “world” in Korean. Developed as a three-stage rocket, Nuri’s purpose is to deploy satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude range of 600-800 kilometers.
The scheduled liftoff of Nuri took place at 6:24 p.m. from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province. As a precautionary measure, the land, sea, and airspace within a 3-kilometer radius of the launch site were under strict control.
Many spectators gathered in the nearby coastal areas of Goheung or Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, which are renowned as prime locations to witness Nuri’s launches. Notably, locations like Namyeol Haedoji (Sunrise) Beach, Palyeong Daegyo, and the Goheung Space Launch Observatory have consistently attracted viewers during previous launches and are considered popular spots for observing the event.
Later in the day, citizens had the opportunity to watch Nuri (KSLV-II) embark on its journey into space, carrying a practical satellite, from the space launch observatory in Yeongnam-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. Meanwhile, children visiting Namyeol Beach celebrated the Nuri launch by expressing their joy through the display of Korean flags and bamboo.
This third launch of Nuri stands out as the first occasion where a fully operational commercial-grade satellite, encompassing the next-generation Small Satellite-2 and seven CubeSats, has been successfully deployed.
Nuri (KSLV-II), a Korean launch vehicle developed using indigenous technology, completed its third launch from the Naro Space Center in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do on the afternoon of the 25th. This milestone launch represents the inaugural deployment of a full-scale commercial-grade satellite, consisting of the next-generation Small Satellite No. 2 and seven cube satellites.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com