South Korea has made history, sending its first ever satellite to space
South Korea is one step closer to becoming a global space player with the launch of its first ever rocket into orbit.
The rocket is named Nuri, and was built domestically with the help of local companies and the Korean Aerospace Research Institute.
“The sky of the Korean universe is now wide open,” says Lee Jong-ho, who is the nation’s Science and ICT Minister. “Our science and technology has made great strides,” he says.
The rocket launched at 4pm local time, and was confirmed to be successful 70 minutes after launch.
The $1.5 billion mission will test an antenna, generator, and other equipment whilst in space.
President Yoon Suk-yeol watched the launch from his office, and reaffirmed his commitment to create a new agency for space affairs.
The launch is South Korea’s second attempt at launching a satellite into orbit.
Katerina Kostakos contributed to this report.
