Goheung:South Korea is gearing up for the fifth launch of its indigenous space rocket, Nuri, from the Naro Space Center located in the southern coastal village of Goheung.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the journey towards this launch began on June 4, 1993, with the launch of the Korea Space Rocket-I, a one-stage solid-propelled science observation rocket developed over three years. This marked the start of South Korea's efforts in developing homegrown space technology.
On July 9, 1997, the country advanced its capabilities with the launch of the KSR-II, a two-stage solid-propelled science observation rocket. This iteration introduced advanced technologies, including guided control and stage separation.
In a further move to strengthen its position in space technology, South Korea joined the Missile Technology Control Regime on March 26, 2001. This international association aims to oversee the proliferation of unmanned delivery systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.
By August 2002, South Korea had collaborated with Russia to confirm plans for developing the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I (KSLV-I) rocket, with an initial launch planned for 2005.