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Today in History: South Korea's Naro-1 successfully reaches Earth orbit

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 30, 2013, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute successfully launched Naro-1, marking South Korea's first carrier rocket to reach Earth orbit. This achievement placed the STSAT-2C satellite into low Earth orbit, demonstrating the nation's growing capabilities in aerospace technology and paving the way for future space exploration initiatives.

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Story summary

On January 30, 2013, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute successfully launched Naro-1, marking South Korea's first carrier rocket to reach Earth orbit. This achievement placed the STSAT-2C satellite into low Earth orbit, demonstrating the nation's growing capabilities in aerospace technology and paving the way for future space exploration initiatives.