The Korean Launch Vehicle (KSLV-II) Nuri is soaring into the sky from the launch pad at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do during its 3rd launch at 6:24 PM on May 25, 2023./Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)

The Korea Aerospace Administration's plan for the additional launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri has been announced.

The Korea Aerospace Administration, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), and Hanwha Aerospace revealed the 'Nuri Heritage Project' plan at a forum on reviving the private launch vehicle industry held on the 20th at the National Assembly Member's Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

Director Jeong Hye-kyung noted, “Since the beginning of this year, a task force (TF) has been set up within the Korea Aerospace Administration to discuss the additional launch plans for Nuri.”

The Nuri will start its fourth launch in November this year, with a total of six launches scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Hanwha Aerospace has been selected as the comprehensive company for the Nuri system, with three additional launches planned to transfer technology as part of the Nuri advancement project.

The Nuri Heritage Project unveiled by the Korea Aerospace Administration aims to invest 157.8 billion won over three years from 2026 to 2028 to prepare for the seventh launch of the Nuri. Specifically, it will not simply perform additional launches of the existing Nuri but will increase the size of the payload fairing and secure the history of launching satellites into inclined orbits. Two defense satellites have already been decided for launch through the Nuri Heritage Project.

The Korea Aerospace Administration has held internal discussions regarding the seventh launch of the Nuri. The Ministry of National Defense first approached the Korea Aerospace Administration expressing the desire to carry two defense satellites on the Nuri, and after internal discussions, the seventh launch was determined.

Director Jeong said, “If this year’s budget is reflected, the launch can be possible in 2028,” and noted, “Since it is a defense satellite, if launched from abroad, there are issues like national security leaks or timely launches, so we are also pushing for an exemption from preliminary feasibility studies with the Ministry of Science and ICT.”

Lee Jun-won, Executive Director of Hanwha Aerospace, is introducing the plan for the industrialization of Nuri launch services at a forum held in the National Assembly on the 20th./Lee Jong-hyun, reporter

The industry has great expectations for the Nuri Heritage Project. It is stated that after the sixth launch, securing supply volumes is essential for about 300 suppliers participating in the Nuri production to remain in the launch vehicle industry. The Nuri No. 6, which is currently in production, is expected to reach a production completion rate of 91.3% by the end of this year. By the end of next year, it will rise to 97.4%, effectively cutting off work for the suppliers for the Nuri.

Lee Jun-won, executive director of Hanwha Aerospace, said, “With a gap in Nuri production, more than 300 suppliers have experienced about two years of production gaps,” adding, “Even now, the production of components needed for the advancement project is nearly finished, raising the risk of another gap.”

The Korea Aerospace Administration also revealed other support measures to nurture the launch vehicle industry. Director Jeong stated, “After 2029, we will activate the industry through procurement of launch services and open competitive bidding to discover public demand.” They plan to announce the launch service procurement plan by the end of this year and proceed with the certification of candidate companies for launch services next year.

Kim Soo-jong, CEO of INNOSPACE, suggested that measures like early establishment of private launch sites, expansion of launch vehicle development and testing infrastructure, and the introduction of a launch licensing system are also necessary. CEO Kim stated, “Before the project stabilizes, a certain level of government support and assistance is necessary.”