NARO Launched Scrubbed Again

NARO-3

Source: Yonhap News Agency

South Korea’s ongoing attempt to join the group of space-faring nations has been put on hold yet again.  The launch of the two stage KSLV-3 / NARO rocket, which had been set for 4 PM local time, was called off 17 minutes prior to liftoff due to “abnormal signals from the thrust vector system of the upper stage.”   The NARO’s liquid fueled first stage, including the engine is supplied by Russia.  The second stage, build in Korea is solid fueled.

This current delay follows a previously scrubbed launch attempt on October 26, when a faulty seal in a fuel connector for the first stage had to be replaced.  Another launch attempt is not expected until early next year.