South Korea Launches Largest Satellite on Domestic Rocket

South Korea successfully launched its largest-ever satellite into orbit on Thursday. The satellite flew on the Nuri rocket, a vehicle developed entirely within the country. The three-stage Nuri rocket lifted off from a spaceport on an island off the southwestern coast. Aerospace officials confirmed the launch was a success. The rocket placed a 516-kilogram (1,137-pound) science satellite into its target orbit. It also deployed 12 smaller microsatellites approximately 600 kilometers (372 miles) above Earth. This mission marks the fourth launch in a planned series of six for the Nuri rocket, which will continue through 2027. The Korea Aerospace Administration described the event as a significant achievement for the nation's space program.