◀ Anchor ▶
So let’s take a closer look at what is the background of North Korea’s missile provocation and what is the purpose of the solid fuel space launch vehicle we successfully tested yesterday with reporter Hong Eui-pyo covering the Ministry of Defense.
Reporter Hong, there are many people who were surprised to see the sky last night.
There were many people who were anxious about the sudden sighting of a suspicious aircraft, but it turned out to be a test launch of our space launch vehicle.
Was it an unexpected launch, as the Ministry of National Defense explains it?
◀ Journalist ▶
Yes, the test launch was being prepared for a few days, focused on the Defense Science Research Institute.
However, it appears that the cleanup around the Western Sea launch site has taken time.
Evacuating the fishing boats in preparation for possible damage from falling bombs and taking into account the weather conditions, unexpectedly, it was the time of sunset when the shells were clearly visible.
Due to these circumstances and security concerns, the Ministry of National Defense explains that it was not informed in advance.
◀ Anchor ▶
okay. However, it seems hard to avoid pointing out that there was a recent North Korean drone invasion and that people’s anxiety needed to be addressed.
Now, first of all, it was announced that the test launch was successful yesterday, so will this launch vehicle be able to launch a satellite soon?
◀ Journalist ▶
There are remarks that it is possible within 1-2 years at the earliest.
In yesterday’s test it was reported that the 2nd and 3rd stages were separated and the upper body posture check was successful.
Normally, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd stages of a satellite launch vehicle burn fuel and are separated from each other and exit the atmosphere.
Then, when the satellite contained in the upper part is ejected and put into orbit, the ultimate success is achieved.
To put a small satellite weighing 500 kg into orbit, at least 150 tons of force and 150 tons of push force are said to be required.
It is technically not easy to break through atmospheric friction, but the defense authorities plan to conduct several more tests in the future and launch them with real small satellites.
◀ Anchor ▶
Already from next year it is possible to launch a satellite as a reconnaissance satellite.
By the way, does North Korea’s rocket launch today have anything to do with our space launch vehicle yesterday?
◀ Journalist ▶
Yes, the space launch vehicle launched yesterday is powered by solid fuel.
The cost is relatively low, and the fuel can be stored in a charged state, allowing for rapid launch.
If a military reconnaissance satellite is loaded and launched, it will be easier to detect and respond in advance to the risks of North Korean nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
However, there is a possibility that North Korea, which has shown disappointment by saying, “They are also developing space launch vehicles, why is the international community banning them?”
For this reason, I think we will have to wait and see how the results of tomorrow’s Labor Party plenary meeting are announced.
(Again: Reporter Hong heard it right.)
Video Editing: Lee Ji-young / Graphics: Jeong Yeon-gyu, Park Min-ji
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