On October 21, 2021, Korea's projectile Nuri was launched vigorously from the second launch pad of the Naro Space Center. Nuri is a projectile designed to be put into low orbit around the earth. One thing to note here is that everything from engine design to manufacture, test, and launch was done with domestic technology.

First, the first stage fell to the ground as it was separated correctly. At the same time, the second-stage engine was successfully ignited, completing combustion and disconnecting the engine. After succeding up to the second stage, we were able to clearly see the blue Earth from Nuri's vantage point.

Since then, 1.5 tons of model satellites have also been successfully separated from the rocket. However, the problem was the next step. The satellite's speed was slow, so it failed to suppress its orbit. In the end, the third stage engine that pushed the satellite went out quickly and did not finish successfully.

Although not completely successful, the secret to Nuri's achievement of most of the process in its first launch can be seen in the efforts during the last 11-years. It is said that the government invested a total of 1,9572 trillion won from March 2010 to the present. Their ultimate goal is to move satellites from the Earth's surface to a set location in outer space.

It is known that Korea has invested in satellite development since 1993 and in projectiles since 2001. It is also said that the budget related to space development has been expanding since 2013. However, compared to China and Japan, which are more advanced space industry countries, investment is relatively insufficient in terms of budget and manpower.

It is expected that once the Nuri-based independent space projectile is completed, the domestic space industry will be further activated. It is also said that through this, the development of civilian-led projectiles and satellites will further develop. I think this launch of the Nuri will be a good opportunity for Korea's space industry to develop further.

L.L.F reporter Min-Seo Kim