A new space power has emerged in the world, marking the seventh nation to achieve this status.

Scientists from South Korea have successfully developed and launched the first space launch vehicle following several unsuccessful attempts. The rocket took off on Tuesday, June 21, at 4:00 PM local time from the Naro Space Center on the southern coast of the peninsula, reports Reuters.

With this achievement, South Korea has become the seventh space power in the world, joining the ranks of the USA, the Russian Federation (USSR), France, Japan, India, and China.

The three-stage KSLV-2 ("Nuri"), which stands 47.2 meters tall and has a diameter of 3.5 meters, was developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The new "Nuri" employs exclusively Korean technologies.

The rocket reached its designated altitude of 700 km and successfully deployed several satellites into orbit. The first was a satellite weighing approximately 163 kg, intended to test the rocket's characteristics. After separation from the stage, it successfully communicated with a station in Antarctica.

Another satellite, weighing around 1.63 tons, was needed to verify the payload capacity. Additionally, four small cube satellites from various universities were sent into space.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute has been working on the KSLV for 12 years. Initially, Russia was involved in the project, manufacturing the first stage of the launch vehicle. The first two launches of the joint KSLV-1 were unsuccessful due to technical issues on the Korean side, but in 2013, the rocket finally passed its tests successfully.

According to KARI, there are plans for four more test launches of the "Nuri" rocket by 2027. It plays a crucial role in the development of South Korea's 6G satellite navigation and communication system. The ambitious space program also includes the launch of military spy satellites, although officially, "Nuri" is not intended for use as a weapon.

Photo: KOREA POOL / Alamy