Naro-1#Third flight

In 1992, Republic of Korea developed and launched several satellite systems and rockets overseas, such as the solid-fueled KSR-1 and KSR-2 sounding rockets. In 2000, Republic of Korea began construction of the Naro Space Center, located on Naro Island in Goheung, {{Convert|485|km}} south of Seoul, with Russian assistance. The work was completed by the launch of the {{Convert|6000|kg|adj=on}} KSR-3 liquid-propellant sounding rocket on November 28, 2002. South Korea announced in 2002 that it intended to develop a small satellite launch vehicle by 2005 that would be based on technology flown on the KSR-3 test vehicle. The launcher would be entirely indigenous, based on the {{Convert|122.500|kN|adj=on}} thrust LOX/kerosene motor used for the KSR-3 rocket stage.{{cite news | title = KSLV (Korean Space Launch Vehicle) | url = http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Space-Systems-and-Industry/KSLV-Korean-Space-Launch-Vehicle-Korea-South.html | publisher = Jane's Information Group | date = 24 January 2008 | access-date =9 June 2010}}[http://www.astronautix.com/engines/ksr3.htm KSR-3 on astronautix.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424202019/http://www.astronautix.com/engines/ksr3.htm |date=24 April 2010 }} In 2005 a change was announced, indicating that they would use the Russian RD-191 as the vehicle's first stage. The program, like that of the Angara, was subject to continuous funding shortages and schedule delays.{{cite web | last = Wade | first = Mark | title = KSLV | url = http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/kslv.htm | publisher = Encyclopedia Astronautica | access-date = 9 June 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100426004639/http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/kslv.htm | archive-date = 26 April 2010}}

On October 26, 2004, during the visit of a GKNPTs Khrunichev delegation headed by A. A. Medvedev, Director General to Republic of Korea, a contract was signed to design and build a Space Rocket Complex for the small-lift launch vehicle KSLV-1. The design represented a joint effort between GKNPTs Khrunichev partner NPO Energomash "V. P. Glushko", who would build the first stage of KSLV-1, and Republic of Korea KARI, who would design and produce the second stage. As the prerequisite to signing the contract South Korea joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). All documentation was reviewed by the Russian Space Agency (RSA), and the joint project to build the Korean rocket complex was approved.{{cite news | title = Космический ракетный комплекс KSLV (Южная Корея) | trans-title = Space Rocket Complex KSLV (South Korea) | url = http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=73 | publisher = Khrunichev | date = 26 October 2004 | language = ru | access-date = 9 June 2010 | archive-date = 30 December 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201230104602/http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=73 | url-status = dead }} The vehicle was unveiled at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province in October 2008. South Korea has spent some KR₩ 500 billion (US$ 490 million) since 2002 on the project.{{cite news | last = Kim | first = Tong-hyung | title = Home-Made Satellite to Be Put into Orbit Next Year | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/10/123_32918.html | work = The Korea Times | date = 19 October 2008 | access-date =9 June 2010}}

The total cost of the first three launches was over 500 billion won (US$450 million), raising concerns among the Korean populace about the value of the Naro space program.{{cite news |title=South Korea's Naro-1 Rocket Set for Third Launch Attempt |url=http://www.spacenews.com/commentaries/121022-fromwires-naro1-launch-attempt.html |access-date=10 June 2010|date=10 June 2010}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Republic of Korea efforts to build an indigenous space launch vehicle is hindered due to persistent political pressure of the United States, who had for many decades hindered South Korea's indigenous rocket and missile development programs{{cite news | title = South Korea's first rocket ready – at last | url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/KH11Dg01.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090814110943/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/KH11Dg01.html | url-status = unfit | archive-date = 14 August 2009 | work = Asia Times| date = 11 August 2009 | access-date =21 August 2010}} in fear of their possible connection to clandestine military ballistic missile programs.{{cite news | title = S. Korea DAPA commissioner confirms 500 km-range ballistic missile development research | url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/381039.html | publisher = The Hankyeoreh | date = 9 October 2009 | access-date =21 August 2010}} South Korea has sought the assistance of foreign countries such as Russia through MTCR commitments to supplement its restricted domestic rocket technology. South Korea is working on an engine for an indigenous launcher planned for 2021.{{cite news |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1301/30kslv |title=South Korea, Russia partner for historic satellite launch |author=Stephen Clark |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=31 January 2013}}

The whole rocket was originally planned to be completely indigenous, but due to technological constraints largely spurred by political pressure from the United States that discouraged independent research and development of rocket technology by South Korea,{{cite news|url= https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/09/197_62462.html|title=Russia as Space-Race Mediator|work=The Korea Times|date=16 March 2010}} KARI decided that the KSLV would be built on the basis of the universal rocket module (URM) designed for the Russian Angara family of rockets. The first stage of the vehicle uses the Russian RD-151 engine, which is essentially the RD-191 de-powered to 170 tonnes-force (1.7 MN; 370,000 lbf){{cite news | last = Lee | first = Joon-seung | title = S. Korea to launch first space rocket on Aug. 19| url = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2009/08/11/6/0601000000AEN20090811006200320F.HTML | agency = Yonhap | date = 25 August 2009 | access-date =26 August 2009}}{{cite web| title = KSLV – Korean Space Launch Vehicle | url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/rok/kslv.htm | publisher = GlobalSecurity.org | access-date =9 June 2010}} from 190 tonnes. The second stage is a solid rocket motor developed and built by KARI.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/rok/ksr.htm|title= KSR Korea Sounding Rocket|publisher= GlobalSecurity.org}} The launch vehicle weighs {{Convert|140|t|lb}}, stands {{Convert|33|m}} tall and has a diameter of almost {{Convert|3|m|ftin}}.{{Cite news | title = South Korea's first space launch to take place 30 July | url = http://www.domain-b.com/aero/space/launch_veh/20090603_kslv_1.html | publisher = The Information Company | date = 3 June 2009 | access-date =26 August 2009}}

{{main|STSAT-2A}}

The first launch of the Naro-1 took place on {{#dateformat:August 25, 2009|y}}. The rocket was launched from the Naro Space Center. The Khrunichev-built first stage reportedly performed nominally,{{cite news | last = Clark | first = Stephen | title = Historic South Korean satellite launch fails | url = http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0908/25kslv/ | publisher = Spaceflight Now | date = 25 August 2009 |access-date =25 August 2009}} and the second stage separation took place as expected,{{cn|date=March 2023}} but the payload fairing separation system malfunctioned and half of the satellite protective cover stayed bolted to the second stage. The added weight of the remaining fairing caused the rocket to tumble upwards[http://www.koreascience.or.kr/main/board/board_detail.jsp?board_category=newweek&menu=&submenu=&no=276 What happened to space rocket Naro during 9 minute span?... 'Fairing fails to detach, satellite disintegrates']{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and to be thrown off its nominal course, soaring {{convert|20|km}} above the planned altitude before falling down. The payload (STSAT-2) reentered the atmosphere and disintegrated.

The Government of the Republic of Korea officially approved the launch of the KSLV in June 2009, which was expected to send the STSAT-2A satellite into orbit.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3630|title=Naro Spacecraft Approved for Launch from Naro Space Center|date=3 June 2009|website=Korea IT Times|access-date=10 January 2019}} The launch was first tentatively scheduled for August 11, after receiving approval from the National Space Committee.{{cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2009-08-skorea-rocket-august.html|title=S.Korea first rocket launch set for August 11|website=phys.org|access-date=10 January 2019}}

The first actual attempt to launch Naro-1 was conducted on {{#dateformat:August 19, 2009|y}}, but the launch was canceled seven minutes 56 seconds before launch.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

{{main|STSAT-2B}}

The launch of the second Naro-1 took place on {{#dateformat:June 10, 2010|y}} at 08:01 UTC. The launch ended in failure 137 seconds (2 minutes 17 seconds) later, when contact with the rocket was lost. Ahn Byung-man, Minister of Science and Technology, told reporters that the rocket was believed to have exploded in midair. The launch originally had been scheduled for {{#dateformat:9 June 2010|y}},{{cite news | title = South Korean rocket ready for launch | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10269459.stm | work = BBC News | date = 9 June 2010 | access-date =9 June 2010}} but was postponed due to a malfunction of a fire protection system.{{cite news | last = Moon | first = Gwang-lip | title = Technical glitch grounds Naro-1 rocket | url = http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2921636 | work = JoongAng Daily | date = 10 June 2010 | access-date =10 June 2010}}

Thirteen engineering experts from Republic of Korea and thirteen from Russian Federation formed a Failure Review Board and met in August 2010 to discuss the launch. They were able to officially conclude that the launch had failed. Further investigation was ongoing as to the cause of the failure.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessghana.com/site/news|title=News Homepage|website=BusinessGhana|access-date=10 January 2019}} A new independent team consisting of 30 experts was formed in June 2011 for the further investigation{{cite news | title = (LEAD) S. Korea, Russia move to find cause of failed rocket launch | url = https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20110609007000320 | work = Yonhap News Agency | date = 9 June 2011 | access-date =14 October 2021}} but failed to conclude the cause of the failure, deciding to send four recommendations for the Failure Review Board instead.{{cite news | title = S. Korea, Russia fail to pinpoint cause of rocket launch failure | url =https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN201110200091003200 | work = Yonhap News Agency | date = 20 October 2011 | access-date =14 October 2021}}

{{main|STSAT-2C}}

File:나로호(KSLV-I) 발사 장면 (1).jpg

Naro-1 became the first South Korean launch vehicle to achieve Earth orbit on January 30, 2013, when it was successfully used to launch the Science and Technology Satellite 2C (STSAT-2C). Naro-1 launched from the Naro Space Center, located 480 kilometers south of Seoul.

Launch of the third flight was postponed from its original launch date of late October to sometime in mid to late November due to a damaged rubber ring that caused a fuel leak.{{Cite news |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2012091204958 |title=3rd launch of Naro-1 space rocket to come Oct. 26–31 |date=12 September 2012 |work=The Dong-a Ilbo |access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Korea to make 3rd attempt to launch Naro rocket |date=22 October 2012 |work=The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2012/10/133_122853.html}}{{cite web | url = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2012/10/29/0601000000AEN20121029005351320.HTML | title = Seoul sets Nov. 9–24 as new window for space rocket launch | publisher=Yonhap News Agency}}{{cite web|title=Naro rocket ready for launch on Friday|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Science%2Band%2BTech/Story/A1Story20121025-379625.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026121442/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Science%2Band%2BTech/Story/A1Story20121025-379625.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2012|publisher=AsiaOne|date=25 October 2012}} A launch countdown on 29 November was halted 17 minutes prior to launch due to an excessive electric current reading, indicating some type of electrical malfunction. Diagnosing and correcting the problem were reported to require delaying the launch for at least four days.{{Cite news |url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2012/11/29/44/0601000000AEN20121129008852320F.HTML |title=S. Korea delays scheduled launch of space rocket |last=Byun |first=Duk-kun |date=29 November 2012 |work=Yonhap |access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}

The Republic of Korea government announced this would be the final flight attempt. Had the mission failed there would not be another attempt and the project would come to an end.[http://www.parabolicarc.com/2012/10/21/naro-1-to-launch-by-end-of-month/ Naro-1 To Launch By End Of Month]Parabolic Arc Retrieved on 27 November 2012.

While the immediate cause of the leak was a damaged rubber seal further investigation into the failure revealed a defective adapter bloc linking the rocket to the port. Korean ministry announced that the new adapters will be brought in from Russia in preparation for the launch. A new preliminary launch date no earlier than November 24, 2012 was also announced.{{Cite news |url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/405026/1 |title=Link port caused delay in Oct. 26 Naro-1 launch |date=6 November 2012 |work=The Dong-a Ilbo |access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/571171.html |title=Launch of Russia – South Korea Naro-1 rocket again postponed |date=14 November 2012 |agency=TASS |access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}

While no cause for the failure of the second launch has officially been declared, changes to the third launch were to include eliminating the flight termination system on the second stage (built by Republic of Korea KARI), and changes to the system on the first stage (supplied by Russia). Changes to the electrical system that operates the payload fairing were also to be made.{{Cite news |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2011/12/123_101264.html |title=Korea, Russia to launch 3rd Naro rocket before Oct. |date=12 December 2011 |work=The Korea Times|access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}

The first stage of the rocket Naro-1 for the third attempt was delivered from the Russian manufacturer at the end of August 2012.{{cite news | url=http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/Basic/ArticleEnglish/ArticlePhoto/YIBW_new_showArticlePhotoView.aspx?contents_id=PYH2012 | title=Naro-1 first stage rocket arrives in S. Korea | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219023719/http://app.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/Basic/ArticleEnglish/ArticlePhoto/YIBW_new_showArticlePhotoView.aspx?contents_id=PYH2012 | archive-date=19 February 2013 | work=Yonhap | access-date=29 January 2018 |language=en}}{{failed verification|date=January 2018}}

Shortly after the mishap with the second launch attempt, South Korea had announced the third flight would take place in 2011.{{Cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2010-06/16/c_13353389.htm |title=S. Korea to pursue third launch of Naro space rocket |agency=Xinhua News Agency |access-date=29 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620213953/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2010-06/16/c_13353389.htm |archive-date=20 June 2010}} Specific plans were never announced and no launch attempt was made in 2011.

The third launch of Naro-1 occurred one month after North Korea's successful December 2012 launch of their Unha-3{{cite news|title=North Korea Claims Rocket Success|url=http://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/rocket-12112012212933.html|first=Joshua|last=Lipes|date=11 December 2012|work=Radio Free Asia|access-date=30 January 2013}} rocket developed with North Korean technology.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} The launch came in the wake of news that North Korea had plans for a third nuclear test.{{Cite AV media|title=CCTV News|type=Television broadcast|date=30 January 2013|minutes=3|quote=The launch comes amid increased tension on the Korean peninsula of the DPRK's plan to carry out a third nuclear test.}}

• Unha
• VLS-1

• Comparison of orbital launchers families
• Comparison of orbital launch systems
• 2010 in spaceflight
• List of launch vehicles
• Timeline of first orbital launches by country
• KSLV-2

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110113174954/http://www.kari.re.kr/ KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute)]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090312012225/http://www.kslv.or.kr/ KSLV official website]
• [http://www.aprsaf.org/data/aprsaf15_data/Plenary/day4/CR_Korea.pdf KARI Space activities]
• [http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200906100512dowjonesdjonline000330&title=south-korea-completes-space-center-for-rocket-launch South Korea Completes Space Center For Rocket Launch]
• [http://www.telecomskorea.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7382&Itemid=2 Gov't Approves Launch of S. Korea's First Space Rocket]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050316114554/http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/kslvi.htm KSLV-I] from Encyclopedia Astronautica
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCKxfbe-zds&nofeather=True Third Naro-1 launch]

{{South Korean Space Program}}

{{Expendable launch systems}}

{{RD-170 rocket engine family}}

Category:Space launch vehicles of South Korea

Category:Vehicles introduced in 2009

Category:2009 establishments in South Korea

Category:2013 disestablishments in South Korea