South Korea delays Nuri rocket launch amid glitches, heavy winds
- Nation had intended to send up its home-grown spacecraft for a second time, to launch satellites, but there were problems with fuel sensors
- 200-ton Nuri successfully flew to target altitude of 700km in October but mission failed to place dummy satellite in orbit after engine problem
Instead, early on Wednesday, the projectile was placed on a vibration-free truck and returned at a snail’s pace from the launch pad to the assembly building, 1.8km away, for detailed checks.
Nuri, meaning “world”, had been due to take off from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, about 330km south of Seoul, according to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).
The postponement came after wind gusts had already delayed lift-off by a day.
“We apologise to the people [for disappointing them] as we have to put off the launch to ensure that the launch will be a success this time,” said KARI president Lee Sang-ryool.
The rocket was supposed to release five satellites into orbit but technical problems were discovered at the launch site, with sensors indicating fuel levels were malfunctioning, said Koh Jung-hwan, head of KARI space rocket development operations.
