[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated that despite the failure of the Korean launch vehicle 'Nuriho,' "the Republic of Korea will invest with a long-term perspective to leap forward as a genuine space power," and declared the dream of landing on the moon using our launch vehicle by 2030.
On the 21st, President Moon attended the launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho at the Naro Space Center in Goheung County and said, "Although we did not perfectly reach the goal, we achieved very excellent results with the first launch."
President Moon expressed regret, saying, "From launch control to liftoff, two engine ignitions in the air, rocket separation, fairing and dummy satellite separation all proceeded without a hitch," but "the task of placing the dummy satellite into orbit remains incomplete."
He added, "However, just sending the launch vehicle to an altitude of 700 km in space is a great achievement and brings us closer to space," and expressed hope, saying, "It has been 12 years since the 'Nuriho' development project began. Now, we only need to take one more step."
President Moon said, "I sincerely respect and encourage the researchers, workers, and entrepreneurs from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, academia, and over 300 domestic companies who have devoted themselves to research and development," and emphasized, "If we review and supplement the shortcomings from today, the second launch scheduled for May next year will surely be a complete success."
The government also expressed its intention to invest in the 'space era' with a long-term perspective. President Moon said, "We will steadily improve the performance of the Korean launch vehicle and continue to utilize various satellites," and added, "We will launch 'Nuriho' five more times by 2027." He also mentioned efforts to develop various launch vehicles beyond Nuriho and that the Korean satellite navigation system development project will be fully launched starting next year.
President Moon said, "We will transfer space technology to the private sector to make the space industry a new growth engine," and added, "By 2024, we will strengthen public-private technological cooperation so that private companies can develop solid-fuel launch vehicles, and establish a private launch pad at the Naro Space Center to foster the launch specialized industry."
He also said, "We will realize the dream of landing on the moon using our launch vehicle by 2030," and added, "Next year, we will launch a lunar orbiter and participate in NASA's manned lunar exploration project 'Artemis Program,' which is being promoted for the first time in 50 years, to accumulate technology and experience." He revealed that a solar observation telescope jointly developed with NASA in 2023 will be installed on the International Space Station, and that plans are underway to explore the Apophis asteroid approaching Earth in 2029.
President Moon emphasized, "Through various space exploration projects, we will firmly establish the foundation for the space industry and technological development," and said, "If we further nurture our dreams toward space, we will soon stand shoulder to shoulder with the leading space powers."
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