[Nuriho 5th Launch] Greater Private Sector Role Ahead... Full Launch Operations to Be Handed Over After 8th Launch

42 Hanwha Aerospace Personnel to Take Part; Direct Console Operations at Launch Control Center
Sequential Deployment of 15 Satellites Including Constellation Payloads
Expanding Payload Capability and Driving Cost Reductions

The transition to private-led operations for the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho is expected to accelerate with its fifth launch. For this mission, Hanwha Aerospace, the system integration company, will increase its participating personnel by 10 compared to the fourth launch, and private staff will directly operate consoles at the launch control center. This marks an expansion of the private sector's role from manufacturing and assembly to the actual launch operation itself.

As Nuriho development moves into the repeated launch phase, the focus has broadened from securing launch vehicle technology to include private-led operations, multi-satellite transport, and cost reduction. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) plans to transfer technology so that, starting from the eighth launch, system integration companies will oversee launch operations as well.

Assembly work is underway for the first and second stages of the Korean Launch Vehicle Nuriho No. 5, which is scheduled for its fifth launch on the 7th of next month. Nuriho No. 5 is currently undergoing final assembly at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. After completing the final assembly by the end of this month, it will undergo final inspections by the 5th of next month before being transported to the launch pad on the 6th. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)

On the 28th, KARI shared these preparations and future plans at the 'Nuriho Fifth Launch Online Briefing Session,' organized by the Korea Association of Science Journalists.

For the fifth launch, Hanwha Aerospace will have 42 participants—an increase of 10 from the 32 involved in the fourth launch. Of the 22 launch vehicle-related consoles at the launch control center, system integrator personnel will occupy 20, and 18 of them will operate the consoles directly. This widens the scope for private sector participation in launch operations, a responsibility that KARI researchers had previously managed.

Youngmin Han, Director of the Launch Vehicle Research Institute at KARI, explained, "Currently, system integrators and private companies are handling all manufacturing and final assembly, and as system integration personnel participate directly in console operations, private participation is steadily expanding."

The shift to the private sector will be further expanded in subsequent missions. From the sixth launch onwards, Hanwha Aerospace will assemble the launch vehicle at its own sub-assembly plant, transport it by sea to the Naro Space Center, and carry out final assembly on-site. After the seventh launch, the private sector will continue to handle production and assembly, and after the eighth launch, even launch operations will transition to being led by private companies according to KARI's plans.

Fifteen satellites to be released sequentially... Increasingly Complex Satellite Deployment

Another change for this launch is the significantly higher number of satellites being sent into space at once. Nuriho will carry a total of 15 satellites, including five main payload nano-satellite clusters (Nos. 2–6) and 10 CubeSats.

Five nano-satellite clusters Nos. 2 to 6 mounted on the third stage of Nuriho No. 5. The 5th launch of Nuriho will carry a record number of 15 satellites, including these five cluster satellites and 10 CubeSats. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA).

Upon reaching the target orbit, the five nano-satellite clusters will be released individually at approximately 35- to 40-second intervals. Afterward, the rocket's attitude will be adjusted to deploy 10 CubeSats. All satellites must be released into orbit in a specified sequence and at designated intervals to prevent collisions within the limited time window.

The 35-40 second separation interval was determined through orbital analysis. Director Han stated, "There isn't enough time when launching 15 satellites," explaining that the intervals were set to ensure the released satellites would maintain sufficient distance as they enter orbit.

This launch will also feature a newly implemented low-shock satellite separation device for the nano-satellite clusters. This device is designed to minimize the impact transmitted to each satellite during separation, ensuring precise deployment. Although the number of payloads has increased, the basic design and thrust of Nuriho remain unchanged; instead, the satellite mounting/separation mechanism and launch sequence were adjusted to accommodate the new mission.

Among the secondary payloads is the 'E3 Tester-2,' which will assess the performance of domestically produced components and materials in the actual space environment. The E3 Tester-2, a 12U-class CubeSat, will carry six payloads, including DRAM and NAND flash memory from SK hynix. The objective is to build 'space heritage,' or an actual record of operation in space, for Korean-made electrical, electronic components, and space hardware.

The Next Nuriho: 'More and Cheaper'

At the time of the fourth Nuri rocket launch, researchers and related personnel are checking the flight status at the launch control center. For the fifth Nuri rocket launch, the number of personnel participating from Hanwha Aerospace, the system integration company, will increase to 42, and the scope of civilian personnel directly operating the launch control consoles will also expand. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

With successive launches, the pathway for Nuriho's improvement is being clarified. KARI plans to enhance the vehicle by increasing payload capacity and reducing launch costs, all while maintaining the original baseline design and reliability.

As satellite demand grows, options under consideration include expanding the fairing and satellite adapters to carry more satellites. To cut costs, the number of certain sensors—originally installed for gathering flight data during development—will be reduced if found less necessary. There are also plans to investigate ways to increase Nuriho's payload without major design changes.

Director Han remarked, "We refer to satellites as guests, and it seems the number of guests is increasing," adding, "To achieve commercial viability, substantial cost reductions are necessary."

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