The Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has worked on the Danuri satellite since 2014. Danuri was expected to reach the orbit of the Moon with the assistance of the “Nuri” rocket. However, most Korean scientists found it impossible to use the rocket as it was not technically developed enough to ensure a successful launch of Danuri. Instead, Falcon 9, made by Space X, was selected as the rocket for the Danuri launch. Falcon 9 has already succeeded in sending 5 satellites into space, so it was more reliable than the newly-developed rocket. Even though Falcon 9 successfully carried Danuri into outer space, it is a little disappointing that we couldn’t launch Daunri with our own nation’s rocket.

  The launch of Danuri took place in Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the United States. Danuri, weighing 678kg, is equipped with high-definition cameras as well as precise measuring instruments. These highly advanced payloads will take images of the lunar surface, investigate chemicals including aluminum and uranium, and perform communication experiments. With lots of activities and experiments carried out on the Moon, Danuri will collect accurate information regarding the Moon. A host of experts expect that pictures taken by the advanced equipment of Danuri will provide us with valuable information about the moon.

  The main objectives of Danuri are to enhance Korean technological capabilities in outer space and upgrade Korean space technology. To be more specific, Danuri will make it possible for KARI to collaborate with NASA. They will share a wealth of useful information concerning space exploration which will definitely lead to the development of Korean space technology. Furthermore, through this successful launch, Korea will be able to promote global cooperation with other countries and the development in various fields such as military, science, and telecommunications.

  The launch of Danuri will function as a great stepping stone which can lead us to become a more developed country in the aerospace industry. Korea is planning to launch another moon satellite by 2024 and send a manned space shuttle to the Moon by 2031. On top of that, if the plan goes well, Nuri rocket will be launched four more times by 2027. By then, Korea will have been able to launch more elaborate moon satellites independently.