Unveiling Ceremony for the First Space and Aerospace Day
Life-Size Nuri Rocket Model Installed at Gwacheon National Science Museum
A model of the Nuri rocket, measuring 47.2 meters in length and with a maximum diameter of 3.5 meters?the same size as the actual Nuri rocket?has been installed at the Gwacheon National Science Museum. This is the first time in Korea that a model Nuri rocket, which can lie down and then stand upright, has been installed.
On May 27, the Gwacheon National Science Museum, together with the Korea Aerospace Administration, held a proclamation ceremony for Space and Aerospace Week to mark the first Space and Aerospace Day, and unveiled the life-size model of the Nuri rocket.
A moving model of the Nuri rocket has been installed at the Gwacheon National Science Museum. Photo by Gwacheon National Science Museum
The unveiling ceremony for the life-size Nuri rocket model was held to commemorate the second anniversary of the successful third launch of Nuri (May 25, 2023), the first anniversary of the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration (May 27, 2024), and to wish for the success of the fourth Nuri launch, scheduled for the second half of this year, which is expected to be a major milestone in the New Space era.
The model Nuri rocket is 47.2 meters long and has a maximum diameter of 3.5 meters, matching the actual rocket in size. While upright rocket models can be found in several science museums, this is the first time in Korea that a life-size rocket model that can transition from a horizontal to a vertical position has been exhibited.
Space rocket launch sites are designated as national security facilities, restricting public access. The Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam, where the Nuri rocket is launched, is no exception. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for the general public with an interest in space to view the actual Nuri rocket in person.
For this reason, a life-size model of the Nuri rocket has been installed at the Gwacheon National Science Museum, which is easily accessible to the public. Currently, the model is raised twice a day (at 10:30 and 14:00), with plans to increase the frequency in the future.
The Nuri rocket model stands upright over approximately 20 minutes, during which explanations of Nuri's technology are provided, and sound effects and steam are released in sync with a countdown to simulate an actual rocket launch.
Han Hyungjoo, Director of the Gwacheon National Science Museum, stated, "I hope that the Nuri rocket exhibition and the Space and Aerospace Week science and culture events will inspire young people to dream and take on challenges in space."
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