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Successful launch of a private commercial satellite using solid-propellant space launch vehicle technology

Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea

Writer: manager
Date Created: 2023-12-04
Related organizations: Department of Defense
Department in charge:
Power Policy Department, Power Policy Division
manager: Yoo Hee-seung (02-748-5610)

On December 4, 2023, the launch of a commercial commercial satellite using the solid propulsion space launch vehicle technology of the Agency for Defense Development was successfully completed in the sea near Jeju Island.

This launch was conducted under the supervision of a private company (Hanwha Systems). Based on the solid-propellant launch vehicle and orbital entry infrastructure technology being developed by the Agency for Defense Development, the private company produced the launch vehicle and satellite and performed the actual launch.

◦ This is the first case of 'Public-Private One Team' cooperation linking satellite and launch vehicle technology, and can be evaluated as an exemplary case for supporting the revitalization of the private-led new space industry.

This launch also serves as the third test launch of a solid-propellant space launch vehicle, and is significant in that it demonstrates the key achievements and achievements of solid-propellant launch vehicle technology development.

◦In particular, unlike the previous test launch (December 2022), which was equipped with a dummy satellite, it was the first to successfully launch a real-use satellite into space orbit,

◦ Core technology for the development of solid-propellant launch vehicles, including performance verification of each propulsion engine We succeeded in verifying most of them.

Through this successful launch, our military has come one step closer to securing independent space capabilities that can quickly deploy small satellites into low-Earth orbit in the future.

In a situation where North Korea continues to pose security threats, such as launching a reconnaissance satellite in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, the success of this solid-propellant space launch vehicle launch will accelerate the acquisition of space-based surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, which are the core of the Korean three-axis system. It has greater meaning in that it will contribute.

Our military recognizes that the space domain is a key area that has a significant impact on national security, and we will make our best efforts to secure space power, including space launch vehicles, as early as possible.

◦ In addition, we plan to continue to support government-level efforts to revitalize the private-led new space industry and become one of the world's top seven space powers through the transfer (spin-off) of secured technology to the private sector. <End>