The Nuri rocket is scheduled to head into space at 12:25 PM on October 7.
O Tae-seok, head of the Korea Aerospace Administration, announced during a briefing at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, that preparations for the fifth launch of the Nuri rocket are proceeding smoothly. He confirmed the final decision to launch at 12:25 PM on October 7.
O stated that the transfer of the Nuri rocket to the launch pad, as well as the fueling and electrical supply, were completed the previous day. He noted that additional tasks, including connecting the igniter for umbilical separation and removing unnecessary components for flight, were carried out until 11:30 PM the night before. Starting at 5 AM on the day of the launch, sensors and equipment on the rocket and launch pad were also checked.
The weather conditions at the Naro Space Center, considered crucial for a successful launch, are reported to be perfect. The sky is clear with no wind. Currently, the average ground wind speed is 2 m/s, with a maximum gust of 5 m/s. The upper-level winds are also within acceptable conditions for launch, and there is no risk of lightning.
Space conditions are also favorable. An analysis of solar activity, including solar flare eruptions, solar particle influx, and geomagnetic disturbances, indicates that there will be no impact on the launch from solar activity.
Fueling of the Nuri rocket with kerosene is set to begin around 9:40 AM, followed by the loading of liquid oxygen, the oxidizer, at approximately 10:15 AM. Each fueling operation is expected to take about 70 minutes. At 12:15 PM, ten minutes before launch, the Nuri rocket will enter the automated launch operation (PLO) phase, with subsequent processes proceeding automatically until launch.
Ten seconds before liftoff, the computer will prepare for launch, and four seconds prior, the engine will ignite. Once normal output is reached, the launch vehicle's hold-down mechanism will be released, allowing the launch to proceed.
O emphasized, "We will do our utmost to ensure that all remaining procedures are carried out smoothly until the final moment of the launch."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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