[Nuriho 4th Launch] Docking Without Thrusters and Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals in Space

13 Satellites Revealed for the Fourth Nuri Launch:
Future Space Technologies to Be Demonstrated by Seoul National University, Space LiinTech, and UZURO Tech

Experiments showcasing the future of South Korea's space technology—ranging from high-resolution earth observation using domestically developed satellites, formation flying without thrusters, space-based protein manufacturing, to autonomous satellite disposal technologies—will be simultaneously tested during the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket.

A total of 13 satellites—one main payload and 12 secondary payloads to be loaded onto the Nuriho's fourth launch in the early hours of November 27—were unveiled to the media on November 14.

At the Satellite Test Building of the Naro Space Center, Korea Aerospace Research Institute located in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, researchers are conducting the final inspection of the 'Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3' mounted on the third stage of the Nuri rocket and the CubeSat deployment tube. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

The core highlight of this launch is the main payload, the "Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite." Independently developed by South Korea, this satellite will serve as a key platform supporting the country's precision earth observation system in the future, aiming to capture high-resolution imagery for land management, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

As the next installment in the series that continues from the existing Multi-Purpose Practical Satellite system, it will provide vital data for public services such as wildfire, flood, and red tide monitoring, thanks to upgraded optical resolution and image processing capabilities.

Officials from the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) stated, "The Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite is a model that will significantly enhance South Korea's earth observation autonomy in the mid-to-long term. The primary goal for this fourth Nuri rocket launch is to successfully place it into orbit."

This mission, which includes a total of 13 satellites alongside the main payload, is seen as a showcase of the combined technological capabilities of academia, industry, and startups. Each satellite, though small, is assigned a clear mission—such as autonomous flight, space manufacturing, and energy or environmental observation—offering a comprehensive view of the expansion trajectory of South Korea's space technology.

Seoul National University SNU Glight (Durihana) Satellite. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Formation Flying without Thrusters: Seoul National University Satellite to Demonstrate 'Ultra-Precision Orbit Control'

The two CubeSats developed by Seoul National University—SNUGLITE-III: Duri and Hana—represent the most technologically challenging task among the fourth Nuri launch missions. After launch, the satellites will separate gradually using a light spring force and drift apart up to about 1 km. Subsequently, rather than using conventional thrusters, they will adjust speed by leveraging minute differences in atmospheric drag caused by extremely thin air particles in low Earth orbit and differences in the satellites' attitudes.

The satellites will utilize the cumulative effect of this aerodynamic drag for relatively gradual and stable approach maneuvering. The Seoul National University researchers explained, "This method eliminates the need for powerful thrust to control speed, maximizing energy efficiency for small satellites."

During final docking, GPS-based relative navigation will precisely align the distance, and an electromagnetic coupling mechanism will bond the two satellites. It is designed to allow attachment even with minor attitude deviations, increasing the probability of a successful experiment.

Baek Sunghwan, Ph.D., a participating researcher at Seoul National University, emphasized, "Formation flying and docking without thrusters using small satellites are rare internationally. This will become a core enabling technology for increasingly advanced satellite services, including satellite constellation-based communications and earth and space observation."

Yoon Haksoon, CEO of Space LiinTech. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Manufacturing Anti-Cancer Drugs in Space: Space LiinTech's 'Space Protein Crystallization'

Space LiinTech is testing the potential of "space bio," a burgeoning industrial sector. The company's satellite, BEE-1000, carries the protein component of the global anti-cancer drug "Keytruda." The goal is to cultivate homogeneous, high-quality drug protein crystals in a microgravity environment.

On Earth, gravity and convection cause proteins to settle or layer, making it difficult to create uniform crystals. In contrast, in space, particles remain suspended without convection, allowing protein structures to grow more stably and without breakage.

Yoon Haksoon, CEO of Space LiinTech, remarked, "Although protein experiments have taken place on the International Space Station, this will be the world’s first attempt to grow pharmaceutical proteins themselves in space using a small satellite."

Over the mid-to-long term, the company plans to establish a "Space CDMO" model—manufacturing drugs in space and recovering them on Earth. Proof-of-concept flights with recovery systems will continue through 2027, and Space LiinTech is in discussions with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding standards for linking clinical trials to space-manufactured pharmaceuticals.

The 'COSMIC' satellite of UZURO Tech just before being loaded onto the Nuri rocket. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

A Satellite That Lowers Its Orbit and Disappears on Its Own: UZURO Tech's 'Autonomous Disposal Technology'

The rising issue of space debris is one of the most critical challenges confronting the global space environment. UZURO Tech’s satellite "COSMIC" will verify autonomous disposal technology, in which the satellite lowers its own altitude with onboard mechanisms after mission completion and then reenters Earth’s atmosphere to disintegrate.

The autonomous disposal device is integrated as a single structure with the satellite, meaning no additional separation debris is created. Lee Sungmoon, CEO of UZURO Tech, explained, "As equipping all satellites with disposal features is becoming an international standard, early demonstration was urgent. The technology whereby satellites autonomously fulfill disposal responsibility will be foundational to future space traffic management."

In addition, the satellite will conduct validation for onboard computers intended for lunar rovers and test collision analysis and avoidance algorithms.

Technology from Domestic Universities, Firms, and Research Institutes All Deployed: The 'Space Technology Map' Drawn by 13 Satellites

Beyond the three axes of Seoul National University, Space LiinTech, and UZURO Tech, the Nuriho's fourth launch features a host of satellites developed for various technology experiments. Each satellite, though compact, has a well-defined technical objective, making this launch the most comprehensive cross-section of South Korea’s small satellite technology ecosystem to date.

Inha University’s rollable solar cell demonstration satellite, INHA RoSAT, tests a film-based solar cell structure that can be rolled up and deployed, targeting next-generation ultra-lightweight power supply solutions. Unlike conventional panel-type solar cells, which are heavy and have complex deployment mechanisms, the rollable design significantly reduces volume and allows freedom in expanding surface area, positioning it as a future essential for satellite constellations.

Overview of the Payload for the 4th Nuri Rocket Launch Satellite. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Sejong University’s marine plastic monitoring satellite, SPIRONE, uses infrared sensors to monitor the distribution of plastics in the ocean. Attempts to directly address marine debris via domestic satellite missions are rare, so this marks a meaningful achievement in the environmental monitoring field.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will test the performance of a "micro electric propulsion engine" for small satellites using its ultra-small electric propulsion demonstration satellite, K-HERO. While micro propulsion is vital for satellite lifespan extension and orbital maintenance, technological barriers are high; thus, successful demonstration would be symbolically significant for localization efforts.

Satellites co-developed by KARI, universities, and companies also stand out. These satellites will test the real-world performance of diverse components such as domestically produced semiconductors, sensors, communication modules, and space-grade materials. Notably, some companies have equipped commercial satellite communications equipment aiming for "space environment certification," which is expected to play a decisive role in increasing the domestic component share in Korea’s satellite industry.

CubeSats developed by universities and research institutes are also included, tasked with mission objectives such as space environment monitoring, radiation measurement, and real-time data processing software validation. This launch demonstrates South Korea’s multi-layered expansion of small satellite technology.

The remaining satellites span areas such as energy, marine science, materials, communications, and space environment analysis, jointly broadening the foundation of South Korea's space technology. The total 13 satellites, including the Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite, represent the most multi-layered and wide-ranging research ever carried on a single domestic launch vehicle, setting a new record in research diversity and scope.

"All 13 Satellites Fully Ready: The Starting Point of the Privately-Led Era"

Hyun Sungyun, director of the Korean Launch Vehicle Program at Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), stated, "All satellites have been properly loaded and integrated, thanks to the combined efforts of research institutes, businesses, and student teams working together as one."

He added, "The fourth launch of Nuriho will represent the first true turning point from a government-led launch vehicle development era to one in which the private sector takes center stage. We will do our utmost through November 27 to ensure we can share news of success."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.