Throughout history, global countries have competed to advance to outer space. Famously, back in the 1900s, the Soviet Union and the United States had a heated competition over who will be the first to explore the universe. The Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik I, to orbit the Earth. The United States was the first to send astronauts to the moon. Not only these two, but many countries globally have tried to reach their power in outer space. South Korea was not an exception. 

Since 2021, South Korea has been developing a rocket that can get into outer space to put satellites in orbit. The name of the project was ‘Nuri.’ The 1st launch was during the year 2021. In conclusion, the attempt failed. The engine work ended too early than expected. After a year, there was a second attempt. This time, the rocket was launched properly and was able to succeed in putting the satellite in orbit.

출처: KBS News

On May 25, 2023, the third launch was held. The 3rd Nuri Rocket was equipped with experimental satellites with actual missions, the next-generation minor satellite No. 2 developed by KAIST Satellite Research Institute and the Korean Astronomy and Space Science Institute. The launch started around 6 PM KST and successfully settled the satellite in orbit. 

This attempt is meaningful in that, unlike the 2nd attempt, the rocket contained an actual satellite that can be workable. It demonstrated the ability of South Korean Rocket to launch the satellite into the correct orbit successfully. Additionally, the 3rd attempt has its meaning in that it was planned, prepared, and conducted without any intervention from other countries. It shows that South Korea has grown into a country that can compete in the universal market with other strong countries without any help from others. 

The Nuri project has plans for a rocket until the 6th launch, which is scheduled for the year 2027. The successful launch of the Nuri rocket will bring strength and confidence to South Korea in the vast universal market. 

Resources:
누리호 3차 발사 성공... "우주경제 시대 성큼" - zdnet Korea. (n.d.). https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20230524151112&re=R_20230425183143

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