Nuriho and Danuri Key Figures Received Special Performance Bonuses of 4.24 Billion Won

Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Payments Focused on R&D Positions

The government has awarded performance bonuses totaling over 4.2 billion KRW to the researchers who led the success of Korea's indigenous space launch vehicle Nuri and the first lunar orbiter Danuri.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) announced on the 31st that it has paid special performance bonuses amounting to approximately 4.24 billion KRW to a total of 1,131 researchers and support personnel involved in the research and development of Nuri and Danuri.

The Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II), designed and manufactured entirely with domestic technology, is soaring into space with flames erupting from the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do on the 21st. Unlike the first launch, which carried only a dummy satellite with no actual functionality, the second Nuriho launch this time included a performance verification satellite and four CubeSats.
Goheung - Photo by Joint Press Corps

This special performance bonus was prepared to encourage and boost the morale of the researchers and participants who devoted themselves to the success of Nuri and Danuri, which marked a milestone in Korea's space development history. It was included in this year's budget at the end of last year.

KARI established the payment plan through performance contribution analysis and gathering opinions from members to distribute the special performance bonuses. Research and development personnel directly involved in the development of Nuri and Danuri received between 6 million and 10 million KRW according to their contribution. This accounted for 81% of the total funds (approximately 3.44 billion KRW). The remaining funds were used to pay at least 1 million KRW per person to all other employees.

Lee Sang-ryul, President of KARI, said, "All members are grateful for the support of the public and the government," adding, "We will make every effort to ensure the success of national space development projects such as the third Nuri launch scheduled for the first half of this year, the Korean launch vehicle advancement project, next-generation launch vehicle development, and lunar lander development.