South Korea joins the space rocket club

Nuri rocket leaves launch pad on May 25 - Photo: REUTERS

The Nuri rocket was launched from the Naro Space Center on the southern coast of South Korea at 6:24 p.m. local time on May 25. Technical problems caused the launch to be postponed a day earlier.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol could not hide his joy after the successful launch. He emphasized that this is a milestone that puts South Korea on the list of seven countries capable of sending satellites into orbit using domestically developed rockets.

"This will change the way the world views Korea's space science technology and advanced industry," President Yoon said.

South Korean Science and ICT Minister Lee Jong Ho said the Nuri rocket carried eight satellites on board, one of which contacted a ground station in Antarctica after separating from the rocket.

Authorities are checking the remaining satellites. This is the first commercial satellite launch using a Nuri rocket. Last June, South Korea launched another Nuri rocket to put dummy satellites into orbit.

South Korean people gather to watch the Nuri missile launch on May 25 - Photo: REUTERS

Nuri uses only South Korean rocket technology and is the country's first domestically produced space launch vehicle. South Korea plans to have three more flights by 2027.

The Nuri rocket is seen as a key part of Seoul's ambitious plans, which include building a 6G network, intelligence satellites and exploring the Moon in the future.

In the arms race in Asia, space launches have long been a sensitive issue. North Korea is preparing to launch its first military spy satellite.

Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un approved final preparations for a satellite launch, but did not give details on when the launch would take place.

Seoul also has plans to launch military satellites, but has ruled out using the Nuri rocket for this purpose.

According to Tuoi Tre