Domestic Semiconductors Head to Space Aboard Nuri; E3T Unit 2 Establishes Two-Way Communication

Nara Space establishes two-way communication about two hours after launch
Validates performance of domestic components, including SK hynix memory, in space environment

The E3T Unit 2 space-validation satellite, designed to test domestically developed semiconductors and key satellite components in the actual space environment, has successfully established two-way communication with a ground station. With the second space-validation platform preparing to begin operations following the launch of Unit 1 last year, opportunities are expected to expand for in-orbit demonstrations of components developed by South Korean companies.

Nara Space Technology announced on October 8 that the space-validation satellite EEETester-2 (E3T Unit 2), launched aboard the fifth flight of the Nuri rocket, had successfully established two-way communication with a ground station.

E3T Unit 2, whose development has been completed. Courtesy of Nara Space.

E3T Unit 2 launched at 12:25 p.m. on October 7 from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, and was successfully separated from the rocket about 17 minutes later. About 1 hour and 57 minutes after launch, it successfully established its first two-way communication with the satellite control center at Nara Space's headquarters. The satellite's status and key functions are currently being checked.

E3T Unit 2 is designed to verify whether semiconductors, electronic devices, and satellite components developed in South Korea operate normally in the actual space environment, including exposure to space radiation and extreme temperature variations. It was developed through the Domestic Components and Devices Space Validation Support Program, implemented by the Korea Aerospace Administration and managed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute.

The satellite is a 12U-class CubeSat weighing 18.08 kg. Four U are allocated to the satellite bus required for operations, and eight U to the space that houses components for testing. It was designed to carry and test multiple components simultaneously while separating their operating times to minimize mutual interference.

The payload includes SK hynix's DRAM and NAND flash, Insera Solution's high-speed precision steering mirror, Momentum Space's reaction wheel, KAIST's attitude determination and system module, Cosmobee's hollow cathode for an electric thruster, and Intergravity Technologies' avionics for an orbital transfer vehicle.

After initial checks, the components will undergo repeated tests in the actual space environment to assess their operating characteristics and performance changes. The data collected will be transmitted to the ground and used to evaluate the reliability of domestically developed space components.

Nara Space was responsible for developing the satellite bus and operating the satellite after launch. The company also developed E3T Unit 1, which was launched aboard the fourth Nuri flight on November 27, 2025. Unit 1 remains in operation, gathering space-environment test data on domestically developed components, including Samsung Electronics' DRAM and NAND flash, KAIST's analog-to-digital converter integrated circuit, and MID's static RAM (SRAM).

Park Jaepil, CEO of Nara Space, said, "By successfully establishing an operational foundation for Unit 2 following Unit 1, we have once again confirmed the potential of satellite platforms to validate domestically developed devices and components in the actual space environment. We will continue to expand validation opportunities for a range of space components and support the growth of South Korea's space device and component industry."

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