Korean ‘rivalry’ heads to space, as South launches first home-grown rocket and North prepares spy satellite

Nuri’s mission shows South Korea has ability to send satellites into orbit from a home-grown space vehicle, as previous launches used rockets from other countries

Nuri’s flight comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for his country to launch its first spy satellite into orbit to monitor US forces and their allies in Asia

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South Korea launched a commercial-grade satellite for the first time as part of its growing space development program, as rival North Korea is pushing to place its first military spy satellite into orbit. Photo: Korea Aerospace Research Institute via AP

Published: 8:23pm, 25 May 2023

A day after South Korea was forced to delay the launch of its home-grown space rocket, the country successfully launched practical-purpose satellites into orbit on Thursday, marking a major milestone in its efforts to develop its aerospace industry as rival North Korea pushes to put its first military spy satellite into orbit.

“The third flight of Nuri has been completed successfully,” Science Minister Lee Jong-Ho said.

Payload separation followed and six of eight satellites were confirmed to have been separated successfully as it needed more time to check on the remaining two satellites, the minister said.

The 200-tonne Nuri rocket blasted off from the Naro Space Center at around 6.24pm local time from the Naro Space Center on the country’s south coast, and reached its target orbit of 550km (342 miles) above the surface after about 13 minutes into the flight.

“This launch marks a leap forward for South Korea in its efforts to develop its own aerospace industry,” said Lee Sang-ryul, head of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).