A special exhibition laying out the meaning and mission of the Nuri rocket's fifth launch, along with South Korea's launch vehicle development history, has opened ahead of the flight. Visitors can preview Nuri's fifth challenge at the Space Science Museum at Naro Space Center before the actual launch next month.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said on the 25th that the Nuri Fifth Launch Special Exhibition Hall has opened at the Space Science Museum at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province). The exhibition was organized to present the achievements accumulated through Nuri's first through fourth launches, the main missions of the fifth launch and how the country's space transportation system will develop going forward.
The fifth Nuri launch is scheduled for Oct. 7. The Korea AeroSpace Administration has set Oct. 8 through Oct. 14 as a backup launch window, accounting for the possibility of delays caused by weather, space conditions or other unexpected variables. The launch window runs from 12:23 p.m. to 1:23 p.m., with the exact liftoff time to be finalized by the launch management committee on the day of the flight.
The most distinctive feature of the fifth launch is that it will carry a total of 15 satellites into space at once. The primary payload consists of five microsatellites, units 2 through 6 of a small satellite constellation, alongside 10 cube satellites developed by industry, academia and research institutes. Launching multiple microsatellites from the constellation at the same time is a first for South Korea. The satellites will be used to build a constellation system that observes the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas more frequently and supports disaster response and security needs.
Final preparations for the launch are underway at Naro Space Center in Goheung. All payload satellites have arrived at the center and were mounted on the upper stage of the Nuri rocket on the 14th. Final assembly of the launch vehicle is set for completion at the end of this month, followed by final checks through Oct. 5. If no problems are found, the rocket will be moved to the launch pad on Oct. 6.
The exhibition hall traces Nuri's development process and achievements starting from the first launch in 2021. It also covers the expanding role of a private-sector systems integration company in the fifth launch, as well as changes in the country's space transportation system, including repeat launches and development of a next-generation launch vehicle.
Actual launch vehicle components are also on display up close. The museum's physical exhibition hall features engineering models of Nuri's first and second stages, an actual first-stage engine cluster bundling four 75-ton-class engines, the KSR-III scientific rocket and the second-stage kick motor from the Naro rocket. Also on view is a 75-ton-class second-stage engine that was damaged during a combustion test in the course of Nuri's development. The item is meant to illustrate a development process that accumulated technology through countless tests and failures, not just successful outcomes.
Hands-on programs for family visitors will run during the Chuseok holiday. The space science classroom will offer sessions on making mini stick kites and mother-of-pearl hand mirrors, and a tuho arrow-throwing set open to all visitors will be placed at the outdoor fountain plaza. Visitors can take in the Nuri exhibition, science activities and traditional games in one place.
KARI President Lee Sang-chul said the institute hopes to inform the public about the meaning and main missions of the launch through the exhibition hall ahead of Nuri's fifth flight, and asked for interest in the rocket's fifth challenge.
