South Korea Fails To Launch Its First Rocket After Third Stage Engines Fail

South Korea's Nuri rocket fails to orbit (Plusnews)

JAKARTA – The first rocket made in South Korea failed when it was about to go into orbit. The prototype rocket, named Nuri, was launched in the Goheung region in South Korea.

The rocket was launched on Thursday, October 21, 2021 yesterday. In the early stages, the rocket managed to break away with its payload weighing 1.5 tons at an altitude of 700 km above sea level. The mission was deemed a failure after the engine stopped running 46 seconds earlier than scheduled.

"But putting a mock satellite into orbit remains an unfinished mission," said South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who witnessed the launch.

On the other hand, President Moon Jae-in still appreciated the team's efforts by mentioning that this was a good achievement for the first rocket launch.

"Despite failing to achieve the goal perfectly, we have achieved excellent results with our first launch."

President Moon is determined to launch his next rocket in May next year. He also considered that a country that mastered space technology would be a leader in the future.

“Countries that lead in space technology will lead the future. And we're not too late to do that."

In Asia, South Korea joins the ranks of countries with the most advanced space programs such as China, India and Japan. In addition, the race for rocket flights into space is also followed by its arch-enemy, North Korea, which is reportedly developing its space rocket.