Nuri's Fifth Launch Succeeds, Powered by 11 Gyeongsangnam-do Companies ... "Celebrating with 3.3 Million Residents"

South Korea's homegrown space launch vehicle Nuri, developed using aerospace technologies from 11 companies in Gyeongsangnam-do, has successfully reached space.

After Nuri lifted off from the Naro Space Center in Jeollanam-do at around 12:25 p.m. on October 7 and successfully entered orbit, Gyeongsangnam-do celebrated, saying, "We sincerely celebrate this historic moment, when South Korea's territory in space has expanded once again, together with our 3.3 million residents."

The key challenge of this fifth launch was a complex, high-difficulty mission to place a record 14 satellites into orbit simultaneously, including five primary payload satellites known as a "constellation of microsatellites."

The microsatellite constellation is considered a key asset that will dramatically enhance national security and disaster response capabilities by enabling frequent, precise monitoring and observation of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters.

South Korea's homegrown space launch vehicle Nuriho is heading into space after lifting off from the Naro Space Center in Jeollanam-do. [Photo courtesy of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute]

Gyeongsangnam-do said the successful Nuri launch demonstrated South Korea's precision satellite operations capabilities, the country's self-reliance in space technology, and Gyeongsangnam-do's aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The technological capabilities of companies in Gyeongsangnam-do played a major role in this success.

Hanwha Aerospace, selected as the lead systems integrator, oversaw engine production, final assembly, and launch operations, while Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) was responsible for final system assembly and the manufacture of propulsion system tanks.

Hyundai Rotem built propulsion system test facilities at the Naro Space Center, while major companies in the province, including Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, S&K Aerospace, and SpacePro, manufactured structures and key components.

The knowledge and technical expertise of aerospace companies and engineers in the province went into Nuri, from launch vehicle assembly and key component production to satellite integration.

To show his support for Nuri's flight, powered by Gyeongsangnam-do's aerospace technologies, Deputy Governor for Innovation and Growth Choi Manrim visited the launch site at the Naro Space Center that day. He observed the launch process, praised the dedication of researchers and provincial company representatives who worked tirelessly day and night, and joined in celebrating the success.

Provincial Governor Park Wansu said, "I extend my deep gratitude and respect to the local aerospace companies and engineers who played key roles, from launch vehicle assembly and key component production to satellite integration. As Nuri heads into space, it carries with it the technologies and ambitions of companies in Gyeongsangnam-do."

He added, "We will actively support companies in Gyeongsangnam-do so they can grow into key players in the domestic space industry and expand into global markets."

Building on the success of this fifth launch, Gyeongsangnam-do plans to accelerate the development of an aerospace industry cluster centered on Sacheon and Jinju.

The province plans to complete the development of key infrastructure by 2028, including the Satellite Development Innovation Center, equipped with shared facilities and equipment needed for satellite development and manufacturing, and the Space Environment Testing Facility, an internationally-standard facility for simulating the space environment.

In addition, the province plans to support technology commercialization and global market entry for local aerospace companies and make every effort to train specialists with skills tailored to industry needs, helping Gyeongsangnam-do continue to lead South Korea into the space economy era.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.