Nuri rocket set for 5th launch to place 15 satellites into orbit

South Korea's indigenous Nuri rocket is scheduled to launch for the fifth time on Wednesday, carrying 15 satellites. Five of these satellites will form part of the nation's inaugural microsatellite constellation launched domestically. The launch is set to take place at approximately 12:25 p.m. KST from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, situated about 330 kilometers south of Seoul. The launch time will be confirmed later in the morning based on weather conditions.

The rocket's cargo includes five New-space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Safety (NEONSAT) microsatellites and 10 CubeSats. Approximately four hours prior to liftoff, the three-stage rocket will commence filling with kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer following completion of system checks. As the Nuri rocket ascends, its first and second stages will separate after 123 and 268 seconds, respectively.

Satellite deployment will commence between 810 and 960 seconds at an altitude of around 575 kilometers.

The five NEONSAT microsatellites, numbered 2 through 6, will be released at intervals of 35 to 40 seconds. Following this, the rocket's upper stage will rotate by approximately 45 degrees as it continues its trajectory.