Successful in 11 years of developing a domestic rocket… Final confirmation of the performance of’Nuri’ launched in October

Input 2021.03.25 16:45 | Revision 2021.03.25 22:12

Pass through the most difficult gate before launch
President Wen “In fact, development is complete…only launch is left”
“Our satellites as our launch vehicles… please realize the dream of a space powerhouse”

The’Nuriho Project’, which makes space rockets with domestic technology, has succeeded in virtually 11 years after it started in March 2010. The Nuriho passed the last performance test on the 25th, and is about to launch in October.

The Ministry of Science and Technology Information and Communication announced that it conducted the final comprehensive combustion test of the Nuri at the Narouju Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do at 3 pm on the same day to confirm the performance and durability of the first-stage engine.

President Moon Jae-in also visited the Space Center on the same day to observe the test. President Moon said, “Because it is the last test that goes through the same process as the actual launch, it actually means that the development is complete. Now, only the main launch remains.” “We launched our satellites and launched them from our land with our projectiles.” At the same time, he asked the developers of the Nuriho to “realize the dream of a space powerhouse.”

Six engines made with domestic technology will be installed on the Nuri. Four engines that produce 75 tons (ton) of propulsion are installed in the first stage, which is the lowest part of the 1st to 3rd stages that make up the rocket and requires the greatest thrust. By applying the’clustering’ technology that binds these four units into one, it operates like one 300t class engine. This is because it is technically easier to make four 75t class medium-sized engines than to make one 300t class large engine.

However, fuel must be supplied to the four engines at the same time and ignited to expel flames to achieve their performance. Even one unit may fail to fire if a problem occurs during the combustion process. Although it does not actually launch a rocket, this comprehensive combustion test is a test that checks the performance by lighting the first-stage engine under the same conditions as the actual launch situation.

Minister of Science and Technology Choi Ki-young said last month, “If you succeed (this test), you will pass the most technically difficult test before launch.” An official of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute also said, “This test was the last technically remaining gateway.” Although the launch schedule has been delayed several times due to technical problems, it is expected that the Nuri will be able to meet the launch schedule in October without further delay by passing this test.

On January 28th and February 25th, Hang Woo-yeon confirmed that combustion was stably performed in the first-stage engine for 30 seconds and 100 seconds, respectively, and then challenged the final combustion test for 127 seconds on that day. 127 seconds is the time it takes for all of the fuel in the engine to burn out, and if no problem occurs during this time, it is judged that the engine will perform well even at actual launch.

Hang Woo-yeon prepared the’Comprehensive Combustion Test Automatic Operation Procedure (PLO)’, an automated system for engine ignition at 2:50 pm on the same day. Ten minutes later, at 3pm, the four first-stage engines were on fire by the automated system, and the 127-second combustion test was over. As a result, the Nuri will go through a launch pad certification test, and will be launched in October.

The Nouriho was developed to launch an artificial satellite that weighs 1.5 tons, like the Arirang satellite, with our own power. It will be used first to launch light satellites from next year. By 2026, seven micro-satellites and small satellites weighing several tens of kilograms and three next-generation medium-sized satellites weighing about 500 kilograms will be loaded and launched. The next-generation medium-sized satellite 3 is the successor to the next-generation medium-sized satellite 1 launched on the 22nd. Private companies will lead the development by introducing platform technology that can quickly create satellites at low cost.