South Korea successfully tests its first-ever indigenously produced solid-fuel rocket

Asia-Pacific, News April 1, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

South Korea conducted its first successful test of the solid-fuel rocket on March 30, to enhance its space surveillance capabilities.

South Korea’s test launch comes only six days after North Korea tested its biggest Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) yet.

The rocket was launched from Taean, a launch site about 150 km away from the country’s capital Seoul. The test was witnessed by South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook and other high-level defense officials. South Korean defense ministry confirmed the successful test by stating it to be an ‘important milestone’ in enhancing the country’s independent space program.

South Korea so far does not have an independent military reconnaissance satellite. It depends on the U.S. satellites for space surveillance and to keep an eye on North Korea’s military activities.

In recent months, North Korea has been on a spree of carrying out a series of missile tests with the latest one, Hwasong-17, being the most powerful ICBM to date. Suspicions had been rising about North Korea’s latest ICBM being capable of carrying nuclear weapons, however, North Korea neither confirmed nor denied the nuclear warheads carrying capabilities of its ICBM.

South Korean defense ministry released a statement after the rocket launch that stated, “this rocket test came at a very grave juncture in which North Korea has recently breached its moratorium and launched an ICBM. The success of this solid-fuel space launch vehicle is an important milestone in strengthening the defense power of our military’s independent space-based surveillance and reconnaissance field at a very critical time.”

*^{South Korea’s solid-fuel rocket. Collage of fairing and dummy satellite separations. (Image Credit: South Korean Ministry of National Defense/Korea Herald)}*

The South Korean defense ministry also defined that the rocket has been produced with ‘pure Korean technology’. The defense ministry noted that space has become a critical field for defense and deterrence.

South Korea’s latest solid-fuel space rocket carried a dummy satellite into space and place it into orbit. Earlier in October 2021, South Korea conducted a test of its Nuri liquid-fuel rocket, which was the first domestically produced space rocket. The Nuri rocket blasted off successfully but failed to deploy the dummy satellite into orbit. Several changes were made to the design including converting the rocket from liquid fuel to solid fuel before carrying out the successful test.

Hours after North Korea tested its latest ICBM missile launch by North Korea on March 24, South Korea replied by launching several volley missiles from the ground, sea, and air to send a message to its northern neighbor.

The newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is set to take the office. As a conservative President-elect, Yoon holds a clear stance on his country’s policy toward North Korea. He has repeatedly referred to North Korea as the “main enemy” of his country.

Experts believe that an escalation in weapons tests in the Korean peninsula amid a major change in the Blue House could lead to further friction between the two countries.