Naro-1 becomes the first carrier rocket launched by South Korea.
Naro-1 (Korean: 나로호), officially designated the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I (KSLV-I) and also known as KSLV-1, stands as a monumental achievement in South Korea's aerospace history. It marked the nation's inaugural carrier rocket capable of successfully placing a payload into Earth orbit, fundamentally transforming its capabilities in independent space access. This landmark success was finally achieved on January 30, 2013, when the third Naro-1 vehicle successfully deployed the STSAT-2C satellite into low Earth orbit (LEO), a critical milestone for the country's burgeoning space program.
Design and Development of Naro-1
The development of Naro-1 represented a significant collaborative effort, blending international partnership with burgeoning domestic aerospace capabilities. The rocket featured a two-stage configuration, each stage developed by different entities:
- First Stage: This powerful lower stage was a modified version of the Universal Rocket Module (URM) from Russia's Angara rocket family. The Angara URM, known for its modularity and reliability, provided the initial thrust necessary to propel the vehicle through the lower atmosphere. This collaboration with Russia's State Space Corporation ROSCOSMOS was crucial for South Korea to gain access to mature launch vehicle technology.
- Second Stage: In contrast, the Naro-1's solid-fuel second stage showcased South Korea's growing indigenous technological prowess. It was developed and manufactured jointly by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the national space agency responsible for South Korea's space development, and Korean Air, a major aerospace and defense contractor. This domestic contribution was vital for building long-term self-sufficiency in space launch capabilities.
The Path to Orbital Achievement: Naro-1's Launch Campaign
The journey to successful orbital insertion for Naro-1 was marked by perseverance through initial setbacks, typical of complex space launch vehicle development. All three launch attempts were conducted from the Naro Space Center, South Korea's primary spaceport.
- First Flight (Maiden Flight): On August 25, 2009, Naro-1 undertook its maiden flight. While the launch proceeded, the vehicle ultimately failed to reach its intended orbit due to a fairing separation anomaly, preventing the payload from being released successfully.
- Second Flight: A subsequent attempt on June 10, 2010, also did not achieve orbit. This failure was attributed to an issue with the first stage's thrust vector control system, which led the rocket off course and resulted in its destruction.
- Third Flight (Successful Launch): Demonstrating remarkable resilience and learning from previous attempts, the third Naro-1 vehicle launched on January 30, 2013. This mission was a resounding success, culminating in the precise placement of the STSAT-2C (Science and Technology Satellite-2C) into low Earth orbit. STSAT-2C was a small scientific satellite designed to conduct various experiments, including the measurement of space radiation and the verification of core satellite technologies, further validating South Korea's capabilities in satellite development.
Naro Space Center and the Rocket's Nomenclature
The Naro Space Center, strategically located in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, serves as the operational hub for South Korea's space activities. The official name of the KSLV-I rocket, "Naro," directly pays homage to this region and the space center itself, symbolizing the nation's commitment to advancing its space ambitions from its home ground.
Legacy and Successor: From Naro-1 to Nuri
Following its successful mission and subsequent retirement from active service, Naro-1 paved the way for South Korea's next-generation launch vehicle program. The South Korean government has since announced and successfully developed its successor, the Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket. Nuri represents a significant leap forward, as it is an entirely indigenously designed and built three-stage launch vehicle, capable of placing heavier payloads into orbit, and ultimately aims to solidify South Korea's independent access to space for a wider range of missions, including potential lunar exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naro-1
- What was Naro-1's primary achievement?
- Naro-1's primary achievement was being South Korea's first carrier rocket to successfully launch a satellite, STSAT-2C, into Earth orbit on January 30, 2013.
- Where did Naro-1 launches take place?
- All Naro-1 launches took place from the Naro Space Center in South Korea.
- What was the role of international collaboration in Naro-1's development?
- The first stage of Naro-1 was a modified Russian Angara URM, indicating significant international collaboration, while the second stage was domestically built by KARI and Korean Air.
- What is the successor to Naro-1?
- The successor to Naro-1 is the Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket, which is South Korea's fully indigenously developed space launch vehicle.