Preparing for the Nighttime Launch on November 27
Simulated Response to Emergencies Including Unauthorized Drones, Explosions, and Terrorist Attacks
The Space Agency is set to begin comprehensive safety drills to prepare for all possible emergency situations that could arise on the day of the fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle (Nuri rocket), which is about a month away.
On October 24, the Space Agency announced that it will conduct a "Comprehensive Launch Safety Control Drill" at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam, on October 27, with participation from 12 organizations, including government agencies, the military, police, and local authorities. This drill serves as the final check of the safety control system ahead of the fourth Nuri rocket launch scheduled for November 27.
Nuri rocket standing on the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam. Provided by the Space Agency
The drill will simulate the actual launch day and aims to ensure safety throughout the entire process, including: controlling personnel and vehicles around the space center; restricting the movement of ships and aircraft along the launch trajectory; carrying out resident evacuation procedures; and responding to incidents such as terrorism or disasters.
Previously, in July, the Space Agency established the "Korean Launch Vehicle Launch Safety Control Council" with relevant organizations, including government agencies, the military, police, and local authorities. In September, a command post (tabletop) drill was held at Naro Space Center for control officers from each organization to pre-check the response system. This comprehensive drill incorporates improvements identified during those exercises and will verify the ability to respond to situations across land, sea, and air under conditions identical to the actual launch day.
In particular, the drill will focus on testing the rapid response and cooperation systems of relevant agencies by simulating complex crisis scenarios, including the appearance of unauthorized drones, leakage of hydrazine from the main payload satellite, explosions or fires caused by abnormal launches, and acts of terrorism.
Yoon Youngbin, Director of the Space Agency, stated, "The fourth Nuri rocket launch is expected to be the first nighttime space launch in Korea. Through thorough and effective drills, we will prepare for every possible emergency during the launch process and ensure that public safety remains our top priority."
This fourth Nuri rocket launch comes one year and six months after the third launch in May 2023, with a particular focus on verifying the capability to carry practical satellites and advancing nighttime launch technology.
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