[Nuri Rocket 4th Launch] Docking Without Thrusters and Manufacturing Medicine in Space

Unveiling 13 Satellites for the Fourth Nuri Launch
Seoul National University, Space Lintec, and Spacerotech to Showcase the Future of Space Technology

Experiments that demonstrate the future of Korean space technology-including precision Earth observation using domestically developed satellites, formation flying without thrusters, space-based protein manufacturing, and autonomous satellite disposal technology-will be simultaneously tested during the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket.

A total of 13 satellites, consisting of one primary payload and 12 secondary payloads to be loaded onto the fourth Nuri launch in the early morning of November 27, were unveiled to the media on November 14.

At the satellite testing building of Naro Space Center, Korea Aerospace Research Institute located in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, researchers are conducting final inspection work on the 'Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3' mounted on the third stage of the Nuri rocket and the CubeSat ejection tube. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

The main focus of this launch is the primary payload, the 'Next-Generation Medium Satellite.' Independently developed by Korea, this satellite will serve as a core platform supporting the nation’s precision Earth observation system, with the goal of acquiring high-resolution imagery for land management, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

As a successor to the existing multipurpose practical satellite system, the next-generation series will provide essential data for various public services such as wildfire, flood, and red tide monitoring, thanks to improved optical resolution and image processing capabilities.

Officials from the Korea Aerospace Administration and Korea Aerospace Research Institute explained, "The Next-Generation Medium Satellite is a model that will significantly enhance Korea’s self-reliance in Earth observation over the mid-to-long term," adding, "The top priority for this fourth Nuri launch is to stably place it into orbit."

This launch, which will carry a total of 13 satellites including the primary payload, is being evaluated as a showcase of the combined technological capabilities of academia, industry, and startups. Each satellite, though small, has a clear mission-such as autonomous flight, space manufacturing, and energy or environmental observation-providing a comprehensive overview of the future direction of Korean space technology.

Seoul National University Snuglight (Durihana) Satellite. Provided by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute

Formation Flying Without Thrusters... SNU Satellite to Test Ultra-Precision Orbit Control

The two CubeSats developed by Seoul National University, 'SNUGLITE-III (Duri and Hana),' represent the most technically challenging mission among the fourth Nuri launch. After launch, the two satellites will slowly separate using a weak spring force and drift apart by up to about 1 km. Subsequently, instead of using conventional thrusters, they will adjust their speed by exploiting the minute differences in air resistance caused by the extremely thin atmospheric particles in low Earth orbit and differences in satellite orientation.

The satellites will utilize the cumulative effect of this air resistance to conduct gradual and stable relative approach maneuvers. The research team at Seoul National University explained, "Because this method does not require strong thrust for speed adjustment, it can maximize the energy efficiency of small satellites."

During the final docking phase, GPS-based relative navigation technology will be used for precise distance control, and an electromagnetic coupling device will capture the two satellites. The system is designed to allow successful attachment even if the alignment is slightly off, increasing the likelihood of a successful experiment.

Bae Sunghwan, a researcher at Seoul National University who participated in the satellite development, emphasized, "There are very few international cases of formation flying and docking without thrusters using small satellites," adding, "This will become a core foundational technology for advanced satellite services such as satellite constellation-based communications and Earth or space observation."

Yoon Haksoon, CEO of Space Lintec. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Manufacturing Anti-Cancer Drugs in Space... Space Lintec’s 'Space Protein Crystallization'

Space Lintec is testing the potential of a new industrial field called 'space bio.' The company's satellite 'BEE-1000' carries the protein component of the global anti-cancer drug 'Keytruda.' The goal is to grow the drug’s protein crystals in a uniform and high-quality manner in microgravity.

On Earth, gravity and convection cause proteins to settle or layer, making it difficult to form uniform crystals. In contrast, in the space environment, particles float without convection, allowing protein structures to grow more stably without being damaged.

Yoon Haksoon, CEO of Space Lintec, stated, "While protein experiments have been conducted on the International Space Station, this is the world’s first experiment to grow protein-based pharmaceuticals themselves in space using a small satellite."

The company plans to establish a 'space CDMO' model for manufacturing medicines in space and returning them to Earth over the mid-to-long term. By 2027, it aims to demonstrate multi-stage launch and recovery systems and is also discussing clinical linkage standards for space-manufactured pharmaceuticals with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

The 'COSMIC' satellite by Spacerotech just before being loaded onto Nuri. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Satellites That Lower Their Own Orbit and Disappear... Spacerotech’s 'Autonomous Disposal Technology'

The increase in space debris is one of the most serious space environment issues facing countries worldwide. Spacerotech’s satellite 'COSMIC' will demonstrate 'autonomous disposal' technology by lowering its altitude using an onboard device at the end of its mission and ultimately deorbiting and burning up in the atmosphere.

The autonomous disposal device is integrated with the satellite as a single structure, ensuring that no additional debris is generated. Lee Sungmoon, CEO of Spacerotech, explained, "As it is becoming an international standard to equip all satellites with disposal functions, it was urgent to demonstrate this technology in advance," adding, "Technology that enables satellites to autonomously fulfill their own end-of-life responsibilities will form the foundation of future space traffic management."

This satellite will also conduct verification of onboard computers for private lunar rovers, as well as collision analysis and avoidance algorithm tests.

All-Out Participation by Korean Universities, Companies, and Research Institutes... 13 Satellites Map Out the 'Space Technology Landscape'

In addition to the three main players-Seoul National University, Space Lintec, and Spacerotech-numerous satellites for various technology experiments will participate in the fourth Nuri launch. Each satellite, though small, has a clear technological objective, and this launch is considered the most comprehensive configuration spanning the ecosystem of Korea’s small satellite technology.

Inha University’s rollable solar cell demonstration satellite, 'INHA RoSAT,' will test a film-type solar cell structure that can be rolled up and deployed, aiming for next-generation ultra-lightweight power supply technology. Traditional panel-type solar cells are heavy and have complex deployment mechanisms, but the rollable design greatly reduces volume and allows for flexible area expansion, making it a core technology for future satellite constellations.

Overview of the Satellite Payload for the 4th Nuriho Launch. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Sejong University’s marine plastic observation satellite 'SPIRONE' will verify technology for monitoring the distribution of plastics in the ocean using infrared sensors. Since it is rare for domestic satellite missions to directly address marine debris detection, significant results are expected in the field of environmental observation.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)’s ultra-small electric propulsion demonstration satellite 'K-HERO' will test the performance of a 'micro electric propulsion engine' that can be used even on small satellites. Although ultra-small propulsion technology is essential for extending satellite lifespan and maintaining orbits, the technological barrier is high, so a successful demonstration would be a symbolic achievement for localization.

Satellites jointly developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, universities, and companies also stand out. These satellites will test the real-world performance of various domestically produced components such as semiconductors, sensors, communication modules, and space materials. In particular, some companies have equipped commercial satellite communication equipment, aiming for 'space environment certification.' This will play a decisive role in increasing the proportion of domestic components in the satellite industry going forward.

Additionally, CubeSats from universities and research institutes with specific missions-such as space environment monitoring, space radiation measurement, and real-time data processing software verification-are included in this launch, demonstrating Korea’s multi-layered expansion of small satellite technology.

The remaining satellites will further broaden the foundation of Korean space technology across fields such as energy, marine science, materials, communications, and space environment analysis. Including the Next-Generation Medium Satellite, the total of 13 satellites aboard a single launch vehicle is expected to be recorded as the most multi-layered and wide-ranging research mission ever conducted by domestic satellites.

"All 13 Satellites Ready... The First Starting Point of the Private-Led Era"

Hyun Sungyoon, Director of the Korean Launch Vehicle Program at the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated, "All satellites have been successfully loaded," adding, "This is the result of everyone-from research institutes and companies to student teams-preparing together with one heart."

He further emphasized, "The fourth Nuri launch will mark the first turning point from a government-led launch vehicle development era to one with full-fledged private sector participation," adding, "We will make final preparations so that we can share the news of a successful launch on November 27."