Korean Air, Hanwha contribute to Naro launch

The successful launch of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1), popularly known as Naro here, would have been impossible without the support from scores of corporate giants and laboratories here.

Nearly 150 companies and 45 universities and research centers spent nearly a decade developing core technologies for the rocket, precisely the second stage and its satellite.

Among companies involved in the KSLV-1 project were Korean Air, Hanwha Group, Hankuk Fiber and Doowon Heavy Industries.

Korean Air was responsible for assembling the rocket as a whole and testing it. The company has proved itself suitable for the work since it played a key role in designing and manufacturing core parts used in two domestically-developed satellites in the 1990s.

It was also deeply involved in the development of three other satellites, including the nation’s first geostationary ocean weather satellite Chollian which was placed into orbit in 2010.

Hanwha took full responsibility for the development of so-called “kick motor,” a core part of a solid fuel-powered engine in the second stage of the rocket.

Engineers at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said Hanwha possesses core technologies needed to develop the propulsion device and its operation system. It runs a research lab and manufacturing facility specializing in aerospace technology, which has carried out a variety of research and experiments regarding the promising segment.

Hankuk Fiber played a key role in developing the rocket’s casing, to protect the rocket and satellite from the extremely high heat and pressure generated while passing through the atmosphere.

Hankuk succeeded in developing a special metal by combining carbon and aluminum which is lighter yet stronger than aluminum for the craft.

Doowon, which proved itself as creditable rocket part supplier with its involvement in several other rocket projects, took part in developing core parts for the fairing in the upper part of the rocket.

“There are so many companies that have contributed to the project behind the scenes,” a KARI official said. “Today’s launch would have been impossible without them.” <The Korea Times/Park Si-soo>