[On Site] "Is this Nuriho? South Korea is truly amazing"

National Gwacheon Science Museum Hosts Special Event Celebrating Nuriho 2nd Launch Success
Visitors Amazed by Ultra-Precision Real Engine
3D Immersive Video Showcasing Nuriho Size and Launch Process Draws Attention

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "Wow, is this Nuriho? Our country is truly amazing."

On the afternoon of the 10th, visitors at the lobby of the National Gwacheon Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, continuously expressed their amazement. This was after seeing the actual Nuriho engine and the 3D holographic video displayed as part of the "Special Event to Celebrate the Success of Nuriho's 2nd Launch," held in commemoration of the upcoming second launch of Nuriho on the 15th.

As soon as visitors entered the science museum lobby, their eyes were drawn to the actual first-stage Nuriho launch vehicle engine on display. The 3-meter-high engine is a core component that produces 75 tons of thrust by emitting flames exceeding 3300 degrees Celsius, propelling Nuriho into space. It consists of complex parts such as a bell-shaped nozzle at the bottom and a turbo valve at the top. At first glance, it appeared somewhat rough and unrefined for a high-tech product. However, this is explained by the fact that it is a 100% handmade product crafted with meticulous care that allows no margin for error.

The turbo valve, the most critical part of this engine, was developed through many difficulties in a situation where no one had prior knowledge, experience, or know-how. The turbo valve is an ultra-precision device that coordinates hundreds of valves down to 0.01-second intervals to supply fuel and oxidizer accurately. The engineers at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) who worked on this passionately studied old textbooks from the U.S. and Russia and referred to vintage rockets in museums. After more than five years of research, they finally succeeded in developing it in 2008. This was the result of overcoming challenges such as an explosion during the first test in 2007. At that time, KARI secured core technologies for rocket engine components such as turbo pumps, combustors, and gas generators, which became the foundation for developing the 75-ton class liquid engine for Nuriho starting in 2010. The development process of the 75-ton engine was also full of challenges. As the engine size increased, combustion instability issues arose, which were barely resolved after several design changes and experiments over about six months starting in 2017. Until just before the first launch last year, 33 prototypes were produced, and combustion tests were repeated 184 times for a total of 18,290 seconds.

Additionally, the "clustering" technology, which bundles multiple engines into one stage, was developed independently. The first stage of Nuriho combines four 75-ton engines to produce 300 tons of thrust, which is no easy feat. The engines must be precisely aligned and produce identical thrust for the rocket to fly along its intended trajectory.

Researcher Lee Chun-ho of the Gwacheon Science Museum said, "Visitors initially thought it was a model but were very pleased to learn it was the actual engine used in the development process," adding, "I remember a father holding his kindergarten daughter's hand, carefully examining the engine and explaining it to her."

Another attraction is the 3D holographic video that allows visitors to experience the actual size of Nuriho. Standing near the entrance, visitors can see the "complete" Nuriho, which is 47.2 meters tall, displayed on the floor of the exhibition hall painted with a white screen, matching the height of a 15-story apartment building. The video then recreates the internal and external views of the launch vehicle and the scenes of the first and second stages and fairing separating during launch. This idea from the science museum aimed to provide visitors with a sense of presence, especially since it is currently impossible to secure a full-scale Nuriho model in the limited space.

Interactive display exhibits explaining detailed specifications and development processes of Nuriho are attached to the pillars of the 3D holographic installation. These serve as excellent tools for children's science learning and satisfying adults' curiosity. Visitors can leave messages wishing for the launch's success in a digital guestbook and also take quizzes about Korea's space technology.

On the day, Oh Tae-seok, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "Twelve years ago today, the second launch of Naroho took place, and now we have grown to an extent incomparable to back then," adding, "We will do our best to ensure the success of Nuriho's second launch, carrying the hopes of the people for Korea to become a space power."

Meanwhile, the second launch of Nuriho is scheduled to take place around 4 p.m. on the 15th at the Naro Space Center in Naro Island, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. The Launch Management Committee, composed of the Ministry of Science and ICT and others, will determine the final launch time on the day, considering the rainfall forecast issued the previous day.