"Came to See Nuriho Launching into Space"... Citizens' Regretful Steps

Technical Issue Occurs During Launch Preparation... Schedule Postponed

Citizens Visiting Goheung Observatory Say "Disappointing but Hope for a Perfect Launch"

"I traveled from far away, but I'm so disappointed that I couldn't see the Nuriho launch in person."

Just two hours before the launch of the Korean-type launch vehicle Nuriho on the afternoon of the 24th at around 4 PM, a technical issue occurred, causing the launch scheduled for that day to be postponed. As a result, the family of Han Jae-woo (9), who had visited the Naro Space Launch Center in Goheung, Jeonnam, turned back.
[Photo by Min Hyun-ki]

On the afternoon of the 24th around 4 PM, news that the third launch of the Korean space launch vehicle Nuriho had been postponed filled the waters off Namyeol-ri, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do with voices of regret.

At the Goheung Space Launch Observatory, about 15 km in a straight line from the Naro Space Center, hundreds of people from all over the country gathered to pray for the success of the Nuriho launch, hoping to witness the historic moment of South Korea becoming a space power, ranging from toddlers who have not yet started speaking to elderly citizens.

From around 1 PM, about five hours before the launch, all 257 parking spaces were filled, and the line of parked cars continued along the mountain slope roads, showing the public's keen interest in the successful launch of Nuriho.

Children holding Taegeukgi flags in both hands seemed unable to hide their excitement at the thought of seeing the Nuriho launch in person. However, shortly after, sighs of "Ah" erupted here and there as if cold water had been poured on them.

This happened as the outdoor vehicle electronic billboard installed by Goheung-gun for the convenience of spectators began broadcasting "Breaking News - Nuriho Launch Postponed." Citizens tightly held the hands of their family and friends, waiting to hear whether the launch was postponed until tomorrow or just delayed by a few minutes. Some children burst into tears from disappointment, and parents were seen comforting them.

Eventually, around 4:10 PM, upon hearing the news that the launch would not happen today, citizens turned back with regret. In various places, people applauded encouragingly and said, "We expect a perfect launch after thorough maintenance."

Han Jae-woo (9), who has been interested in space and visited Goheung for the first and second Nuriho launches as well as this third launch, said, "I was looking forward to seeing the cool sight of Nuriho soaring into the sky, so it's disappointing. But I'm still thankful that my parents brought me here."

Park Seo-bin (37), who came here from Bucheon to celebrate a wedding anniversary, expressed regret, saying, "I drove about 400 km, but now I have to go back without seeing anything. It's so frustrating."

Although a specific launch schedule has not yet been announced, some citizens decided to wait with hope that the launch might take place tomorrow.

Edmund (29), a British visitor who came to Korea and rushed to Goheung after hearing about the Nuriho launch, said, "A Korean friend said this would be an amazing experience and brought me here from early morning, so I can't just leave like this. I will cancel all my travel plans and wait in Goheung until tomorrow for the Nuriho launch."

The Ministry of Science and ICT explained at a briefing in the press room of the Naro Space Center in Goheung-gun on the afternoon of the 24th, "Due to a problem with the launch pad equipment, the scheduled Nuriho launch at 6:24 PM on the 24th has been canceled."

Whether the launch can take place on the 25th depends on identifying and resolving the cause of the system problem. The backup launch period for Nuriho is planned until the 31st.