South Korea successfully conducted the fourth launch of its domestically built Nuri rocket on Wednesday, placing more than ten satellites into orbit in the country’s first space mission carried out in partnership with a private company.
A live YouTube broadcast from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute showed the rocket lifting off from the Naro Space Center on South Korea’s southern coast at 1:13 a.m. local time (16:13 GMT). The mission marked a significant milestone in the nation’s expanding space program.
The Nuri launch program began in 2021, but for the latest mission, the manufacturing and assembly were led by the Korean aerospace firm Hanwha Aerospace, using technology transferred from the government. Officials described the collaboration as a key step in shifting parts of the country’s space sector toward private industry.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the rocket successfully deployed its primary commercial satellite along with twelve cube satellites into orbit, confirming the mission’s full success.
South Korea aims to launch a total of six Nuri rockets by 2027, including this latest flight, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the global space industry.
Government officials said the transfer of rocket technology to Hanwha is intended to build private-sector capability and enhance South Korea’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving space economy.
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