Insight

[SPREC Insight VOL.12] The meaning of the 3rd successful launch of the Nuri and the policy tasks to leap forward as a space power
  • By. 김지선
  • Date. 2023-07-13
  • View. 568
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■ Korea secured launch vehicle-based technology through the development of the science rocket (KSR), which began around 1990, and subsequently promoted the development of a small satellite launch vehicle (KSLV-I, Naro) and a Korean launch vehicle (KSLV-II, Nuri).


● Beginning with research on the concept of a small science rocket in 1987, the first stage solid science rocket (KSR-I) in 1993, the two stage medium science rocket (KSR-II) in 1997, and the liquid science rocket (KSR-III) in 2002. succeeded

● The Naro successfully put the Naro Science Satellite (STSAT-2C) into mission orbit through the third launch in January 2013 after the failure of the first launch (August `09) and the second launch (June `10).

● Nuriho is planned as the first project to carry out the entire process from design to manufacturing, testing, and launch operation independently.

- The 1st test launch of Nuriho in October 2021 reached the target altitude of 700km, but the satellite parent failed to enter orbit, and the 2nd test launch in June 2022 succeeded in separating both the verification satellite and the satellite parent body.


■ The 3rd launch of the Nuri was promoted as part of the ‘Nuri Upgrading Project’, and was planned as the first mission to carry out the role of practical space transportation by loading and launching 8 practical satellites in earnest.


● The 3rd launch of the Nuri was initially scheduled for May 24, but was delayed due to technical problems about 2 hours before the scheduled launch time, and the launch succeeded 24 hours later at 6:24 pm on May 25.

- Starting with the main payload, ‘Next Generation Small Satellite No. 2’, 3 Cube satellites from private companies and 4 Toyosaets from the Korea Astronomical Research Institute are launched at 20-second intervals.

- Only 5 out of 7 Cube Satellites have been confirmed to receive satellite signals, and 1 Toyosaat and JAC are attempting to communicate (as of May 31)

● The domestic media largely evaluated the success of the 3rd launch of the Nuri as 'an achievement that solidified the position of a space power', and the overseas media later showed great interest in Korea's space development plan.

● In December 2022, the government announced the ‘4th Space Development Promotion Basic Plan’, a pan-governmental comprehensive strategy to realize a global space economy powerhouse by 2045.

- In the field of launch vehicles, we plan to continuously develop core technologies to secure launch vehicles that can respond efficiently to various launch missions and secure future space transportation capabilities.

■ The 3rd launch of the Nuri is significant in that it increased the reliability of space launch vehicle operation through the ‘successful first launch’ and advanced space commercialization through technology transfer to the private sector

● Securing stability and reliability in the operation of a space launch vehicle by successfully launching a practical satellite into space orbit

● In 2022, in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Toyosaat, which was difficult to launch with a Russian Soyuz rocket, was launched with Nuri, securing a case of launching a satellite by utilizing the national space launch vehicle in a timely manner.

● Hanwha Aerospace, a comprehensive system company for the Korea Launch Vehicle Advancement Project, participated in the preparation and operation of the 3rd launch to acquire technology for future Nuri-ho launches led by the private sector.

● Proving Korea's space transportation capability through the transport mission of next-generation small satellite No.


■ It is necessary to strengthen policy efforts to revitalize the space industry with the success of the third launch of Nuri.


● Along with the stable promotion of the previously announced government-led satellite launch demand, efforts by the government and related organizations to discover new demand, launch plan, and establish a budget must be continued.

● There is a need to hurry with legislative reform to promote commercial space activities, such as the (tentative name) ‘Space Industry Act’ specified in the 4th Space Development Promotion Basic Plan

● It is necessary to overhaul the government space launch vehicle permit and management system for early maturation of the private launch vehicle market.

● In order to preemptively respond to launch demand from private companies, regulations and administrative procedures necessary for building launch infrastructure, such as private launch sites and test sites, must be carried out as soon as possible.

● To promote commercial space activities, a business in the form of purchasing services should be developed, and related international trade issues should be resolved.

● In a situation where public support for space development is high following the success of the 3rd launch of Nuri, it is necessary to promptly promote the establishment of a dedicated organization to oversee national space development and reorganization of governance.

● Considering the space race that is unfolding globally, the establishment of a general government organization is an urgent task, and it should be discussed actively from a national perspective, away from partisan and regional interests.



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