South Korea launches first homegrown space rocket Nuri

Editor1 Nov 9 2021 Current Affairs
South Korea launches first homegrown space rocket Nuri

South Korea has launched its first homegrown rocket, stepping up the country's ambitions in space.

The Korean Satellite Launch Vehicle II, known as Nuri, took off from Goheung, about 500km (310 miles) south of Seoul.

President Moon Jae-in said the vehicle completed its full flight sequence but failed in its goal of putting a dummy satellite in orbit.

Such launches are essential for a space programme but could potentially have military applications too.

South Korea is locked in an arms race with North Korea, with both recently test-firing new weapons. The North put a satellite in orbit in 2012.

South Korea plans to carry out four more launches of the Nuri until 2027 to increase reliability, pursuant to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) that is overseeing the launch.

While South Korea is seen as a technological powerhouse, it has lagged behind other countries in its development for space exploration.

South Korea is aiming to send a probe to the moon by 2030.

Arms race

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.

 
South Korea recently tested a submarine-launched missile. It is reportedly going to unveil a new fighter jet and guided weapons like missiles during a defence exhibition in coming weeks. 

Meanwhile North Korea has been carrying out a flurry of weapons tests and has reportedly launched hypersonic and long-range weapons.

Some of these tests by Pyongyang violate international sanctions, as the UN prohibits it from testing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

Not only that but North Korea also held its own defence expo recently, where it showcased its military hardware including tanks and missiles.

 

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