Lee calls for further advances in satellite technology after watching Nuri launch

SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung watched a live broadcast of homegrown rocket Nuri's successful launch Wednesday and called for making further advances in satellite technology, his office said.

Lee watched the broadcast from his office at Cheong Wa Dae, along with some of his aides, including Lee Hai-min, senior presidential secretary for artificial intelligence (AI) policy and future planning, according to presidential spokesperson Kim Sung-wan.

Nuri blasted off from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, at 12:25 p.m. and completed its flight about 20 minutes later after successfully deploying five satellites in South Korea's first domestically launched microsatellite constellation.

"This is the result of the government's active support for space launches," Lee said as he clapped and rejoiced together with space officials shown on screen, according to the spokesperson. "Shorten intervals between future launches to accelerate advances in satellite technology."

Lee also posted a message on social media platform X, saying South Korea has come "one step closer to space sovereignty."

The microsatellite constellation will contribute to South Korea's national security and disaster responses by monitoring the country more frequently, he wrote.

The spokesperson noted that Lee has dramatically increased aid for domestic businesses making inroads in the commercial space transportation market, while earmarking an additional 3.28 billion won (US$2.45 million) that led to five more launches being scheduled through 2032.