Korea Satellite Launch Virtually Canceled Due to US and EU Sanctions on Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] It has been confirmed that the domestic satellite launch planned to be sent into space using Russian launch vehicles by our government is practically deemed difficult.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Science and ICT stated in materials submitted to National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Communication Committee member Park Wan-joo, "Internationally, coordinated sanctions against Russia are being implemented, and our country is also participating in this," adding, "We judge that the local launch of our satellite in Russia is practically difficult."

Originally, our government planned to launch the Multipurpose Practical Satellite 6 (hereinafter 'Arirang 6') using the Russian Angara rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia in the second half of this year, and the Next-generation Medium-sized Satellite 2 using the Russian Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. However, as the international community including the United States and the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Russia's space industry sector, it has become difficult for Korea to launch domestically produced satellites using Russian launch vehicles. Accordingly, the Ministry of Science and ICT reported to the National Assembly that new budget is needed for the launches of Arirang 6 and the Next-generation Medium-sized Satellite 2.

According to a Ministry of Science and ICT official, the government expects a total of 88.1 billion KRW for launch services and incidental costs (insurance fees, transportation costs, execution expenses, etc.), with 46.7 billion KRW for Arirang 6 and 41.4 billion KRW for the Next-generation Medium-sized Satellite 2. If this request is reflected in next year's budget, the Ministry will conduct an in-depth and comprehensive assessment of the international situation. Subsequently, it plans to cancel the existing launch contracts with Russia and proceed to contract with new launch service providers.

In the materials submitted to Assemblyman Park's office, the Ministry of Science and ICT explained, "If force majeure occurs without fault of the contracting parties, the contract can be canceled," citing examples of 'force majeure without fault' such as war and import/export bans.