Yoon on Nuriho Launch Success: "Signal for Space Industry's Entry into G7" (Comprehensive)

Only 3 G7 Countries Have Independently Developed Launch Vehicles and Satellites
Global Perspective on Korean Space Science and Technology Will Change

Sweat, Passion, and Unstoppable Spirit of Challenge Make Dreams Reality
Three Satellites Born from Startup Hands, Proud Moment
Building a Korea Where Future Generations Can Dream and Challenge Themselves

President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 25th evaluated the success of the third Nuriho launch as "a signal that we have truly entered the G7 in the space industry sector."

President Yoon made this remark after watching the Nuriho launch via video at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, then connecting via video call to the Naro Space Center in Goheung to receive a report on the results of the third Nuriho launch from Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT, according to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon.

Minister Lee reported, "I am reporting that the third Nuriho launch has been completed. Although the launch was postponed by one day due to a technical issue during the preparation process yesterday, the on-site researchers worked through the night to analyze and resolve the cause, achieving success. We will continue to work with unwavering determination to realize the space economy, as emphasized by the President."

President Yoon said, "The success of the third Nuriho launch today is a remarkable achievement for our industry and scientific community. Currently, only seven countries in the world can launch rockets and place satellites into orbit using domestically produced launch vehicles and satellites," emphasizing, "Korea is now included among these seven countries, and among the G7 nations, only the United States, France, and Japan have this capability."

He added, "It is truly overwhelming, and since space science leads all industries, I believe the global perspective on South Korea's advanced science and technology will change dramatically this time. Also, during my recent visit to the United States, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NASA, and I expect that many advanced countries will now propose to share information and cooperate with South Korea's space science and technology."

He continued, "Please continue to successfully conduct upcoming launch tests. Especially, unlike the second launch where we carried an experimental satellite, this time all the practical satellites developed by KAIST, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, and young startup companies have been placed into low Earth orbit and activated, which is very significant."

Furthermore, he said, "We should truly celebrate this day together with the people. Thank you very much for your hard work," expressing repeated gratitude by saying, "To our researchers, fighting! Thank you for your great efforts."

Lee Sang-ryul, President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, stated, "We will contribute to developing the space economy and industrialization." Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, also pledged, "We will do our best in space development in the private sector going forward."

In a separate congratulatory message on the same day, President Yoon said, "The success of the third Nuriho launch is a great achievement declaring that our country has entered the space powerhouse G7," adding, "Only the United States, France, Japan, Russia, China, and India have placed domestically produced satellites into orbit using domestically produced launch vehicles," and predicted, "The global perspective on South Korea's space science technology and advanced industries will change significantly."

He continued, "The third Nuriho launch placed eight practical satellites into orbit, which is a tremendous advancement compared to the second launch that placed one experimental satellite into orbit," and said, "I commend and congratulate the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), researchers, and engineers together with the people."

President Yoon also reflected on the significance of the third Nuriho launch in a Facebook post. He mentioned, "President John F. Kennedy, who initiated the Moon project in 1962, said we go to the moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard," adding, "Because it is difficult, it becomes our challenge and dream."

He emphasized, "Today, we confirmed that dreams can become reality," and said, "Sweat, passion, and an unyielding spirit of challenge made the dream come true."

He also encouraged the startups involved in the satellite projects launched by Nuriho. President Yoon wrote, "Although Nuriho carries actual satellites developed by KAIST and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, three of the satellites were created by our startups," adding, "That makes it even more meaningful. I am truly proud."

Furthermore, he said, "Watching Nuriho ascend toward space, I hope our future generations will dream great dreams and take on challenges. I will work even harder to create a Korea where people can dream and challenge," and once again congratulated the success of Nuriho and expressed appreciation to all involved, saying, "Congratulations again on Nuriho's success, and thank you to everyone who worked hard."

President Yoon Suk-yeol congratulated and encouraged Ko Jeong-hwan, Head of the Korean Launch Vehicle Development Project at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, via video call after the launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II) was completed on June 21 last year at the video conference room of the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]