President Urges Confidence and Fast Preparation Amid Nuriho Launch Gap Concerns
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
President Lee Jae-myung urged officials to act as if future Nuriho launches are certain and prepare investments now, responding to concerns that South Korea’s Nuriho rocket could face a 2029–2032 launch gap. At a government briefing, Korea’s Space and Aviation Agency head Yoon Young-bin said past performance (4 launches with 3 successes = 75% success rate) and a target of 10+ launches to reach about 90% reliability. The president noted each additional successful launch raises reliability and stressed annual launches help sustain the domestic supply-chain and industry ecosystem (소·부·장: materials, parts, and equipment). While budgets cover up to the 7th launch (the 7th in 2028 as a ‘Nuriho Heritage’ project), later launches remain unfunded and unscheduled, risking a 3–4 year operational gap that could prompt workforce losses and supplier strain. The president asked that officials proceed as if further launches are confirmed to ensure predictable investment and continuous development of next-generation launchers.
