[News Terms] Civil Space Launch Era 'Standard Procedures for Space Launch Vehicle Launch Permits'

The 'Standard Procedure for Space Launch Vehicle Launch Authorization' refers to the authorization procedures and criteria for space launch vehicles that the government is establishing in response to the recent increase in space launch vehicle development companies such as Innospace and the rapid surge in demand for space launch vehicles.

On the 19th of last month, the domestic space launch vehicle market has been expanding as the space launch startup Innospace successfully conducted a flight of the engine verification test launch vehicle 'Hanbit-TLV,' independently developed and launched in Brazil.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 30th of last month that it has determined the urgent need to organize a national-level launch authorization system, anticipating diversification of launch entities and methods as well as a sharp increase in launch demand, and is proactively preparing related regulations.

Domestic space startup Innospace announced that its independently developed engine verification test launch vehicle 'Hanbit-TLV' was launched at 2:52 PM (local time) on the 19th at the Alcantara Launch Center (CLA) under the Brazilian Air Force. The photo shows the launch of Hanbit-TLV. [Photo by Yonhap News]

South Korea has accumulated experience in public launches centered on the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), such as Naroho and Nuriho, and the associated launch authorization. However, the procedures and criteria for the entire launch authorization process remain ambiguous, and there are currently no authorization procedures or criteria for private companies or public institutions other than KARI to conduct space launch vehicle launches.

The standard procedure for space launch vehicle launch authorization being prepared by the government will institutionalize the entire launch-related process, including the launch entities, launch areas, and government support, for space launch vehicles and suborbital launch vehicles excluding missile and other weapon systems.

If the launch entity applies for launch authorization to the Ministry of Science and ICT 180 days prior to the planned launch, a specialized agency will review the launch authorization, and the results will be deliberated by the Space Development Promotion Working Committee of the National Space Committee, which will issue the launch authorization certificate.

Additionally, the government will inspect the implementation of the launch plan and conduct expert consulting. After the launch, the standard procedure being prepared will also specify various matters related to space launch vehicle launches, such as the implementation of safety management measures including collision avoidance for payloads and the promotion of international registration of artificial space objects.