South Korea has launched its first homegrown rocket Nuri, joining the ranks of advanced space-faring nations. The Korean Satellite Launch Vehicle II took off from Goheung, about 500km south of Seoul.
- Informally called NURI, which means “world”, the rocket weighs 200 tonnes, is 47.2 metres (155 feet) long, and is fitted with a total of six liquid-fuelled engines.
- South Korea plans to carry out four more launches of the Nuri until 2027 to increase reliability.
- While South Korea says it intends to use Nuri to launch satellites, the test has also been viewed as part of the country’s ongoing ramp-up in weapons development.
- Ballistic missiles and space rockets use similar technology. In Asia, China, Japan and India all have advanced space programmes.
- Private firms, such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, are also increasingly involved in rocket launches.
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