South Korea continues to count on leading technology from Augsburg, Germany.

NARO 1 is the first satellite rocket to be sent into orbit from South Korean soil. 400 million dollars were invested in the Goheung Space Centre to achieve this goal. This was also an investment in safe German technology because up to just a few seconds before lift-off, special valves had to be used to ensure the success of the highly complex fuelling procedure with liquid gases such as oxygen at a temperature of -196 °C.

Highly significant in this fuelling procedure were the 56 special valves made by STÖHR ARMATUREN, a traditional Augsburg company with headquarters located in Königsbrunn, Germany. The valves were developed, tested and manufactured in just 8 months to meet the special requirements of the South Korean space centre.

This required the rigorous implementation of pneumatic drives with a control pressure of 40 bar, exactly defined times for closing and opening and strict requirements with regard to sealing tightness.
The valve pictured here is incomparable with other valves. It weighs in at 550 kg and has a nominal diameter of 200 mm.

The South Korean space centre would like to continue its cooperation with STÖHR ARMATUREN. With the successful lift-off of NARO 1, the countdown began for a second satellite system with higher performance specifications.
The first carrier rocket had a load of approximately 150 kg: NARO 2 will be designed for a load of at least 1000 kg. More thrust will be needed - and STÖHR ARMATUREN will be needed as well.

The company (under Managing Director Manfred Jochum) achieves around 50% of its turnover with highly specialised valves. The expertise gained in developing these can then be channelled into the production of standard valves. This means the entire product range always represents state-of-the-art technology and remains in constant demand.
STÖHR valves are used in satellites, in submarines powered by fuel cells, in large-scale facilities for producing solar cells and in nuclear power plants. STÖHR ARMATUREN guarantees the high degree of operational safety required in these situations.
Due to the great number of inquiries and orders the company has received, STÖHR ARMATUREN is planning to employ more personnel, with an emphasis on the engineering area.