(MENAFN) South Korea is finalizing critical pre-launch checks on its indigenously developed Nuri space rocket, with liftoff scheduled for next week in what marks a pivotal moment for the nation's space ambitions, officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) expects to wrap up all inspections by Monday, according to Park Jong-chan, director of the Korean Launch Vehicle Enhancement Program, as reported by a South Korean news agency.

Scheduled for launch next Thursday from the Naro Space Center in Goheung—a southern coastal village—the Nuri (officially designated Korea Space Launch Vehicle II, or KSLV-II) represents South Korea's drive toward independent space capability.

"We have connected the third-stage rocket to the first and second stages, and we are carrying out the final electronic inspection on the integrated launch vehicle," Park said.

Following the electronic systems review, technicians will conduct an exterior examination of the rocket before transporting it to the launch pad on Tuesday, Park explained.

This mission carries additional significance as the first under the leadership of private contractor Hanwha Aerospace. The launch also marks the Nuri's return to space after a gap exceeding two and a half years—its previous flight occurred in May 2023 during the rocket's third mission.

MENAFN19112025000045017169ID1110365237