The Korea Space Agency (Korea Space Agency) will begin assembly for the fifth launch of the Korean Space Launch Vehicle (Nuri, KSLV-II) next week. The launch is scheduled for September following a review by the launch management committee in early August.
On June 24, Oh Tae-seok, head of the Korea Space Agency, announced at a press conference in Sacheon, "This week, assembly of the first, second, and third stages of the Nuri rocket will be completed, and next week we will start the overall assembly process."
The final launch date will be confirmed by the launch management committee in early August. Oh added, "Currently, we are aiming for a launch in September."
This fifth launch marks the third participation of Hanwha Aerospace as the prime contractor for the Nuri rocket. Hanwha Aerospace has been involved since the third launch after being selected as the prime contractor for the Nuri enhancement project in 2023. During last year's fourth launch, the company oversaw the production and assembly of the rocket, marking a significant step towards a privately-led launch system.
The Korea Space Agency plans to accelerate the establishment of a repeatable launch system and transition to a private-sector-led launch service with this fifth launch. Oh stated, "We are preparing to enable 2-3 launches annually after 2030 and will work to improve the economic viability of the Nuri rocket and the overall launch system to transition to a commercial launch service era."
To support this goal, the agency has recently begun soliciting proposals for the construction of a second space center. The final site will be selected in October, with plans to break ground in 2028. Oh mentioned, "Once the second space center is established, we will have a future-oriented space launch infrastructure capable of operating reusable launch vehicles by the mid-2030s."
Additionally, a private launch site being developed near the Naro Space Center is expected to open fully by July next year. Oh noted, "On the 29th, we will announce guidelines for private use of the launch facilities, allowing companies to utilize the private launch site."
However, there have been some changes regarding the launch of the Multipurpose Practical Satellite 6 (Arirang 6), which was scheduled for the second half of this year. Oh explained, "The launch of Arirang 6 has been postponed due to delays in the development of other foreign satellites that were to be launched on the European Arianespace Vega C rocket. Currently, we are adjusting the launch schedule to the second quarter of 2027 as a contingency plan."
The organizational restructuring of the Korea Space Agency, mentioned during a press conference in April, is still ongoing. The restructuring aims to enhance international cooperation and support the promotion of the space industry. Oh stated, "As discussions with relevant ministries are ongoing, I cannot disclose specific restructuring plans at this time."
Oh also reiterated the commitment to expanding next year's budget. The agency plans to focus on securing funding not only for system development but also for supporting companies and building an industrial ecosystem. He added, "The scale of new projects and budgets is currently under discussion with the planning office, and we will provide updates after the government proposal is finalized."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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