South Korea has successfully launched its first domestically made rocket. The “KSLV-II Nuri” is a 154-foot-tall rocket that stands for "the world." On October 21st, at 5 p.m. local time, it took off for the first time. One of its objectives is to launch 1.5-ton payloads into space and position them up to 800 kilometers above the Earth to test plans for launching satellites for better communication, surveillance, navigation, and lunar explorations. Despite reaching its intended height, the rocket failed to deploy the test satellite into orbit. 

According to Reuters, the rocket's final stage shut down roughly a minute early, preventing the cargo from reaching the required speed for its planned orbit. President Moon Jae-in gave an address after witnessing the launch from the space center, saying, "Unfortunately, we did not fully achieve our goal." Nonetheless, he predicted that a successful launch will be achievable soon. "The 'Korea Space Age' is upon us," he stated. "If we look at what we're missing in, we'll probably be able to launch successfully for the second time in May," he added. 

South Korea has stated that it intends to develop military satellites to monitor North Korea. The rocket test on Thursday comes at a tense time on the Korean Peninsula, with recent dueling weapons tests and displays of new technology. South Korea is the tenth country to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of principles that would guide international cooperation for lunar exploration through NASA's initiative to return astronauts to the moon, including the first woman and first person of color.

이병규 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

<저작권자 © 강남포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>