S. Korea opens new phase for private sector-led space development with 4th Nuri launch
The Nuri space rocket takes off from Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Thursday. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Research Institute
GOHEUNG, South Jeolla Province — South Korea has opened a new phase in its space exploration through the successful fourth launch of the homegrown Nuri rocket, which was assembled by Hanwha Aerospace Co. for the first time, as the country seeks to hand over space technologies to the private sector, experts said Thursday.
The 200-ton Nuri blasted off from Naro Space Center in the country's southern coastal village of Goheung, 473 kilometers south of Seoul, at 1:13 a.m., successfully putting 13 satellites into orbit.
Compared with the third launch in May 2023, Nuri reached an altitude of 600 km, up from the previous 550 km, and carried a combined payload of 960 kilograms, nearly doubling the earlier 500 kg.
Another notable development in the fourth launch was that Hanwha Aerospace took charge of the manufacturing and assembly of Nuri through a technology transfer from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).
Huh Hwan-il, a professor of aerospace engineering at Chungnam National University, said the successful launch represents the starting point of South Korea's space exploration led by the private sector.
"South Korea has been aiming to open a new era of space led by the private sector and promote the space economy and this represents an example of that goal," Huh said.
Huh added South Korea needs to make preparations to transfer technologies to businesses so they can fully utilize the space development capabilities built by the government.
"Japan has been transferring relevant technologies since 20 years ago, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries currently leading the launch service," Huh said.
Lee Chang-jin, a professor of aerospace engineering at Konkuk University, echoed the view, noting South Korea needs to maintain the momentum to continue the development of space rockets led by the private sector.
"We have entered the era of new space, with businesses proactively participating in the process of the development of rockets," Lee said.
In July, Hanwha Aerospace also signed a 24 billion-won ($16.2 million) contract to acquire technologies related to the Nuri space rocket from KARI, which has been leading the Nuri project.
Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will receive technologies covering the entire lifecycle of launch vehicle development, including design, manufacturing and launch operations.
The Nuri space rocket takes off from Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Thursday. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Research Institute
However, technologies related to Nuri's launchpad and propulsion test facilities were excluded from the transfer.
With this contract, Hanwha Aerospace has secured the exclusive rights to manufacture and launch the Nuri rocket through 2032.
South Korea, meanwhile, plans to carry out the fifth launch in 2026, followed by another in 2027.
"We need to adjust various environments to help the private sector expect profits from space programs," Kim Seung-jo, former head of KARI, said.