"Nurturing the Dream of Space Exploration in Jeonnam"

Unastella Achieves Korea's First Private Rocket Launch Success
Kim Youngrok: "We Will Support More Companies"

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

On May 29, Kim Youngrok, Jeonnam Governor, congratulated Unastella, a private crewed space launch vehicle development company, for the successful launch of its rocket?the first of its kind by a private company in Korea?from Goheung. He also emphasized his commitment to actively support more companies in pursuing their dreams in space.

The 'UNA EXPRESS-Ⅰ', the first private launch vehicle ever launched in Korea, was launched near Bongrae-myeon, Goheung, at 11:50 p.m. on May 28. After completing a 10-kilometer flight, it landed safely within the designated safety zone in the waters off Goheung.

The launch vehicle developed by Unastella is considered a significant example that demonstrates the potential of private space companies. It signifies that private enterprises have taken another step closer to providing commercial launch services. Building on the success of this test launch, Unastella plans to begin developing its next launch vehicle, which will be based on an electric motor pump cycle engine.

The government has officially designated Jeonnam as a 'Space Industry Cluster (Launch Vehicle Specialized Zone)' to foster a private-led space industry in earnest.

Accordingly, Jeonnam Province is establishing a world-class private space industry infrastructure centered on the Naro Space Center in Goheung?the only space terminal in Korea?including a national industrial complex for space, private launch sites, and engine combustion test facilities.

In particular, by concentrating the second space center in this area, the province plans to provide multifaceted support so that innovative aerospace companies like Unastella can develop next-generation launch vehicle technologies, such as reusable rockets, and lead the NewSpace era.

Governor Kim stated, "In connection with the second space center, we will actively attract related companies to the national space industrial complex and do our utmost to improve accessibility and the residential environment for businesses by constructing the Gwangju-Goheung Space Expressway, expanding the Goheung-Bongrae four-lane road, and developing residential complexes in the surrounding area."

He added, "The successful flight of this launch vehicle marks an important milestone as Jeonnam emerges as the hub of Korea's space industry. We will actively support more companies in realizing their dreams in space from Jeonnam."