According to the latest reports, on November 27, South Korea’s domestically developed medium-lift launch vehicle Nuri (also known as “World” or KSLV-II) successfully lifted off from the Naro Space Center, smoothly placing 13 satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers. This marked Nuri’s fourth mission and its first launch conducted in the early hours of the morning. According to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the rocket’s three-stage ignition, fairing separation, and multi-satellite deployment all proceeded as planned, with overall stable performance.
The primary payload for this mission was the New Generation Medium Satellite NO. 3, designed for Earth observation and remote sensing data collection. Approximately 40 minutes after reaching its target orbit, the satellite successfully established initial communication with the ground station. The remaining 12 CubeSats subsequently conducted communication verification procedures, covering imaging tests, space environment monitoring, and engineering technology validation. Officials stated that the launch achieved all predetermined objectives.
From State-Led to Private-Driven
As South Korea’s first fully homegrown medium-class launch vehicle, Nuri garnered particular attention for this mission as its manufacturing system was led for the first time by a private company—Hanwha Aerospace. Unlike previous government-dominated development models, this project achieved deep collaboration between research institutions and the industrial sector, marking a crucial step toward commercialization and industrialization within South Korea’s space system.
Against the backdrop of rapid global commercial space development, South Korea’s promotion of private sector involvement in rocket development will help reduce future launch costs and accelerate the commercialization of commercial satellites, scientific satellites, and other space missions. Industry experts believe the successful operation of this model demonstrates South Korea’s preliminary capability to enter the international commercial launch market and lays a crucial foundation for its future aerospace industrial ecosystem.
However, the launch was delayed by 18 minutes due to abnormal data detected by the umbilical system’s pressure sensors. Although the delay ultimately did not impact the overall launch process, it highlighted the need for continued optimization of the rocket system’s reliability and ground equipment stability.
Road map to a Space Power
The successful deployment of multiple satellites into orbit provides crucial support for South Korea’s ongoing expansion of its space program. According to plans by the government and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Nuri will undertake at least two more launch missions in the future, expected to continue deploying scientific research satellites and technology demonstration satellites. Simultaneously, South Korea is advancing the development of its next-generation launch vehicle, focusing on enhancing thrust, increasing payload capacity, and exploring reusable technologies to strengthen its long-term strategic competitiveness.
In the context of intensifying global space competition, Nuri’s progress demonstrates South Korea’s growing capability in independent launch technology and strengthens its presence in the Asia-Pacific aerospace landscape. With more private-sector involvement, satellite-application growth, and government-supported long-term strategies, South Korea is expected to further expand its influence in the international space industry in the coming years.
This mission not only represents a technological success but also signals that South Korea’s space program is entering a more mature and competitive phase.
