Goheung:South Korea has achieved a significant milestone by successfully deploying five satellites for its first domestically launched microsatellite constellation. The deployment took place during the fifth flight of the homegrown Nuri rocket on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Korean space agency.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 200-ton Nuri rocket lifted off from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, located about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, at 12:25 p.m. The rocket completed its flight approximately 20 minutes later, successfully deploying its primary payload of five New-space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Safety (NEONSAT) microsatellites. In addition, nine out of ten CubeSat secondary payloads were released as planned. However, PERSAT-02, developed by South Korean startup Quaternion, did not separate from the rocket.
The five NEONSATs, identified as Nos. 2 through 6, were deployed sequentially, each 35 to 40 seconds apart, with a 45-degree rotation of Nuri's upper stage between separations. This flight marked the first attempt by Nuri to sequentially deploy multiple primary satellites designed for the same mission, showcasing a vital capability for launching and operating satellite constellations.
KASA reported that NEONSAT No. 6 successfully established initial contact with South Korea's King Sejong Station in Antarctica, with contacts from the remaining satellites anticipated by around 4:30 p.m. After satellite deployment, Nuri conducted a collision-avoidance maneuver and vented its remaining fuel. The rocket will remain in orbit before eventually burning up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
This mission marked Nuri's fifth launch overall and its fourth consecutive success since the maiden flight failure in 2021, improving its overall launch success rate to 80 percent. KASA Administrator Oh Tae-seok emphasized the enhanced reliability of the Nuri rocket and highlighted the advanced space transportation capability demonstrated by the successful deployment of the satellite constellation.
The NEONSAT constellation, once fully operational, will consist of 10 satellites. Each satellite weighs less than 100 kilograms and is equipped with an electro-optical camera. This constellation will monitor the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas, serving national security and disaster response purposes. The final five satellites are scheduled for launch aboard Nuri's sixth flight in the latter half of 2027, with the capability to image the Korean Peninsula more than three times a day.
The success of this launch signifies a shift towards a more industry-led space program in South Korea. Hanwha Aerospace Co., which has acquired Nuri-related technology from KARI, manufactured the rocket for this launch and participated in launch operations. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon recognized the launch as a milestone for the country's space industry, emphasizing the growing involvement of private companies and pledging continued government support for future industry-led launches.