Context: South Korea has launched its first homegrown space rocket Nuri recently from Goheung, Seoul.

Key Points

• The rocket is called as “Nuri”.
• It is a 47-meter rocket that was lifted off, with bright yellow fire shooting from the engines.
• The rocket was launched from Naro Space Center, South Korea. This space centre is located on a small island on the southern coast of South Korea.
• Weighing 200 tonnes, Nuri is fitted with liquid-fueled engines.

Significance: South Korea was earlier dependent on other countries for launching its satellites since early 1990s. Now it is trying to become the 10th country to send satellite into space using its own technology.

• Moreover, South Korea plans to carry out four more launches of the Nuri until 2027 to increase reliability.

About Nuri Spacecraft

• Nuri is the South Korea’s first space launch vehicle, that was developed and built completely using the South Korean technology. 
• It is a three-stage rocket and is powered by five rocket engines for completing its first and second stages. 
• Another engine is used in the final stage of the rocket. 
• Rocket is designed to carry a payload of around 1.5 tons to an orbit between 600 to 800 kilometres above Earth.