In order to launch an enormously heavy space launch vehicle into space, the operation of the launch site (the space center) and the launch operation procedures are as important as the development itself. During the Naro’s launch, researchers faced unprecedented situations and difficult challenges every day as it was the first launch operation for Korea, and the Russian technicians, who made the most important first-stage launch vehicle, led the process. However, now that seven launch operations have been carried out, including Naro and the test launch vehicle, things have proceeded in a stable manner. As only the KARI researchers and domestic companies are involved, communication has become much smoother.

It is difficult to predict possible variables or unexpected situations to happen in the first launch. Globally, the first launch success rate is only 27.2%. As the launch date approaches, related personnel cannot even eat properly due to increased tension and fear. However, it is the researchers’ duty to overcome difficulties. As a single problem in any part can cause failure, everyone is making efforts for the successful launch of Nuri by checking and double-checking all the tasks one by one.

When ranking countries by the level of space technology, the United States is at the very top, and France (European Union), Russia, China, and Japan follow. In particular, China is rapidly growing based on the government’s aggressive investment. Korea began full-scale space development after establishing KARI in 1989. Indeed, Korea lagged behind compared to other countries that began researching in the 1950s and 60s. However, despite its late start, Korea’s outstanding electronic, communication, control, and mechanical engineering technologies helped the country develop fine launch vehicles and prepare for satellite launching with its own capacity. In particular, in terms of satellites, Korea is globally recognized as one of the powerhouses. When it comes to space utility, Korea is ranked 6th in the world.

Internationally, transfer of space launch vehicle engine technologies is prohibited according to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). It is because space launch vehicle engine technologies are connected with missile technologies such as the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Although there are limits and difficulties in development, independent space launch vehicle development is essential for national defense and security. In particular, South Korea is in a confrontation with the North and is surrounded by space-advanced countries, such as Russia, China, and Japan. Without its own launch vehicle technologies, the country has to ask other countries for cooperation and unveil key information, including the purpose and orbit of satellites every time. This will naturally lead to poor speed and quality of space development. If Korea uses its own space launch vehicle, it can choose the satellite, launch time, and orbit, becoming an “independent space country.”

The GPS (Global Positioning System), which has recently been highlighted, is a military satellite navigation system developed by the U.S. government for accurate missile bombing and the U.S government approved its use for friendly nations and private corporations. The satellite navigation system directly links to new industries of the 4th Industrial Revolution, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and location-based services. What will happen if, in case of emergencies, the U.S. stops the system for any reason? What if they forcefully impose some conditions for using the system? To prepare for such possible risks and threats, Russia (Glonas) and China (Beidou) have already completed their own satellite navigation system, and the European Union (Galileo) is close to completion. Korea is also planning to start developing the “Korean Positioning System (KPS)” in 2022. For the satellite navigation system to operate, more than six local satellites and 24 global satellites need to be linked.

Space development requires a tremendous amount of budget and time. The shortcut to becoming a space powerhouse is continuous investment and development. Lots of space-advanced countries are already opening a new era centered on private developments, not government-led projects. States led the development and civilians joined in the “old space” era, but in the New Space, civilians lead and the states support them. To promote the space industry, the New Space ways are the best way.

However, the above is the case for space-advanced countries, not for Korea. Korea still has multiple challenges and is taking the first steps to becoming a space power with the development of Nuri. Space-advanced countries already have perfect base technologies and infrastructure, as well as a big market where private companies can actively participate. However, Korea has a long way to go in terms of establishing base technologies and infrastructure. As a result, the country remains in the stage of government-led investment, research, and development. To embrace the New Space Era in Korea, developing support policies for private sectors to use the nation’s basic technologies and infrastructure efficiently is essential. This year, the government established the National Space Policy Research Center to build a think tank for space policy, expecting to prepare clear visions and policies for space development.

The size of the space industry in Korea will grow exponentially if it continues to launch satellites, advances into international satellite launch service markets, and helps other countries send off their satellites. Also, if the market size increases, private corporations will naturally become active. The transition led by private sectors has begun in the satellite field. The technology transfer of launch vehicles is expected to phase in after Nuri’s launch. At present, large companies, including the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem, announced their plans to participate in the industry, following Hanwha Group. Various startups are also emerging in the field. Soon after, private sectors will lead the space development in Korea as well.

The space field is a combination of all engineering sectors. The researchers at KARI are comprised of experts from many fields, such as electronics, communication, control, machinery, materials, and industrial engineering, as well as aerospace. For Korea to become a space-advanced country, efforts of excellent talents from various fields are needed. Four Hanyangians, including me, are participating in the Nuri project. I hope that more alumni will work together, sharing the same dream and goal.

The countries in the world are staging cut-throat competitions over space. With the strong trend of the New Space, a historic moment in Korea’s space development is about to come. I hope you wish for the success of the Nuri project.