Successfully launched 13 satellites, the largest ever,\n 5th launch next year, and expanded the role of Hanwha Aerospace in the 6th launch in 2027
The fourth launch of the Korean-style projectile (KSLV-II) Nuri was successfully completed on the 27th. The flight lasted 18 minutes and 25 seconds, a little shorter than originally planned. This success has also opened the beginning of the privately-led space era (New Space) in Korea. It has been 15 years and 8 months since the start of the development project in March 2010.
Nuri completed its mission to raise the next-generation medium-sized satellite 3 and 12 cube satellites at an altitude of 600 km. Unlike the third launch, which was equipped with next-generation small satellites, it loaded medium-sized satellites and increased the number of cube satellites, increasing the total weight of payload to 960kg. The target altitude has also been increased from 550km to 600km.
![[Korea Aerospace Research Institute]](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202511/27/news-p.v1.20251127.7a58aee8367b4debaa0a483c7bb4e5eb_P1.gif)
In particular, unlike the previous launch, which was organized by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the fourth launch was organized by Hanwha Aerospace for the first time. This is why it is evaluated that the launch has taken the first step toward the transition to the private-led space industry. In the fifth and sixth launches in the future, Hanwha Aerospace is expected to expand its role in the launch and operation process.
The Nuri is set to launch its fifth launch next year and its sixth launch in 2027. In the fifth launch, micro satellites 2-6 will be put into orbit, and in the sixth launch, 7-11 will be put into orbit. The government’s goal is to increase the reliability of Nuri’s performance and transfer projectile technology to private companies through a total of two repeated launches by next year.
Nuri is a space launch vehicle developed by more than 300 private companies under the leadership of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute over 13 years from 2010 to 2023. Unlike the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd launches, which were organized by Hangwoo Research & Extension Services, Hanwha Aerospace, a comprehensive private system company, was in charge of the production of the 4th launch for the first time.
From the 6th launch, Hanwha Aerospace will proceed with the stage assembly at the stage assembly site built in Suncheon, and will move to Naro Space Center by barge to carry out the total assembly. Hanwha previously said it plans to establish a value chain for space businesses that will be connected to ‘space transportation service-satellite service’.
link
