On the 13th, at the satellite assembly test center of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in Daejeon, preparations were underway for the launch of several satellites. The multipurpose practical satellite (Arirang) No. 6 was undergoing reassembly in line with the schedule that had been postponed from the end of this year to early next year, while the Arirang No. 7, scheduled for launch in October, was in the process of applying multilayer thin thermal insulation. On this day, the satellite assembly test center was assembling a total of four satellites, making it difficult to find an empty space.
The KARI satellite assembly test center, the largest satellite assembly facility in the country, is currently in full operation. Lee Sang-hoon, the head of the KARI satellite assembly test center, said, "In the case of the large satellite assembly room, the ceiling height reaches 18 meters to allow for simultaneous assembly of multiple satellites," adding, "The assembly facility is at capacity as the launch of the development-completed Arirang No. 6 has been delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war."
Arirang No. 6 was originally scheduled for launch at the end of this year, but changes to the launch schedule by Arianespace in Europe have delayed it to early next year. This center's director explained, "Even completed satellites need to undergo regular inspections every six months," stating that "Arirang No. 6 and No. 7 are in the process of getting a new coat before heading to the launch site." There remains a possibility that the launch schedule for Arirang No. 7, set for October, could also change.
As the era of private-led space development, known as the NewSpace era, officially begins, not only KARI but also corporations such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are entering satellite manufacturing. KAI has created facilities capable of conducting orbital environment tests, launch environment tests, and electromagnetic tests for satellites in Sacheon. It is a facility that can test the impact generated when a satellite separates from the launch vehicle fairing at the same level. It is the largest satellite testing facility in the country, excluding KARI.
At the orbital test room visited on the 11th, tests were underway for the next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 3, which is to be launched into space aboard the Korean launch vehicle Nuri in November this year. A KAI official noted, "We are conducting orbital tests over three weeks under complete vacuum conditions," adding, "Once the orbital test is passed, it will undergo launch environment tests and electromagnetic tests."
Hanwha Aerospace is accelerating the development of the Nuri rocket engine. In the first plant of Hanwha Aerospace in Changwon, assembly of the engines that will be mounted on the Nuri rocket, which will launch in November this year and June next year, is currently in progress. Assembly of the space launch vehicle engines is mostly done manually. Engineers were assembling each engine component by hand. To avoid possible errors, several workers do not operate simultaneously, nor do they use machines.
In front of the engine being assembled, there was a handwritten progress sign. One of the 75-ton class engines that will be included in the Nuri rocket launching in November this year was indicating an assembly rate of 95%. The assembly rates varied for each engine. A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "We conduct pressure tests and leak tests at each stage of the Nuri rocket engine assembly," adding, "Once the engine assembly is completed, combustion tests will be performed at the Goheung Naro Space Center."
Both KAI and Hanwha Aerospace emphasized that active government support is necessary for the NewSpace initiative. A Hanwha Aerospace official remarked, "If there are gaps in the production of the Nuri rocket, partner corporations will have no choice but to let go of their personnel," stressing the need for government support to nurture and maintain the industrial base.
Hanwha Aerospace is the prime contractor for the Nuri rocket system and will carry out the 4th to 6th launches of the Nuri rocket this year. The Korea Aerospace Administration is pursuing the Nuri heritage project, which adds a 7th launch of the Nuri rocket in 2028, reflecting the industry's voice.