South Korea's Nuri Rocket Successfully Launches Satellites into Orbit

GOHEUNG, South Korea — South Korea launched its Nuri rocket for the fourth time early Thursday, placing 13 satellites into orbit, according to government space agencies.

The three-stage rocket lifted off at 1:13 a.m. local time (1613 GMT Wednesday) from the Naro Space Center.

Telemetry data indicated the vehicle reached its target orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute reported.

The payload included the Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite 3 and 12 CubeSats. 

All satellites separated from the rocket as planned, the institute stated.

Engine combustion on all three stages and fairing separation occurred according to the planned flight sequence, the agency said in its initial assessment.

The primary satellite contacted a ground station at King Sejong Station in Antarctica at approximately 1:55 a.m. and transmitted data confirming deployment of its solar panels.

The 12 CubeSats are expected to establish contact with ground stations separately.

The launch follows two earlier missions that the agency described as successful.

Hanwha Aerospace was responsible for rocket manufacturing and assembly, and participated in launch operations.

The Korea Aerospace Administration stated it plans two additional Nuri launches by 2027 and is developing a next-generation launch vehicle.