[Nuriho 4th Launch] Nuriho Lifts Off at 1:13 a.m.… Satellite Separation and Initial Communication Successful (Comprehensive 2nd Report)

First Private-Led Flight Succeeds
Initial Communication with Next-Generation Medium Satellite No. 3 Confirmed

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyun officially announced that the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket proceeded normally in the early morning of November 27, with all 13 satellites successfully separated at the planned altitude.

Deputy Prime Minister Baek stated, "At 1:55 a.m., we confirmed the first signal from the Next-Generation Mid-Sized Satellite No. 3," adding, "This flight was successfully carried out."

In the early morning of the 27th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyun officially announced the success of the fourth Nuriho launch. Photo by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Launch Delayed by 18 Minutes... But All Pre-Flight Stages Performed Normally

The Nuri rocket was originally scheduled to lift off at 12:55 a.m., but the launch was delayed by 18 minutes due to an abnormal signal detected by the pressure sensor of the umbilical retraction device just before the launch automatic operation (PLO). On-site inspection confirmed that the issue was limited to the sensor signal, so the launch time was adjusted to 1:13 a.m. within the permitted launch window (12:54 a.m. to 1:14 a.m.).

The Nuri rocket ignited at 1:13 a.m., separated its first stage 122 seconds after liftoff, jettisoned the fairing at around 230 seconds, and separated the second stage in the 260-second range. The third stage engine then reached the target velocity, deploying the main payload, the Next-Generation Mid-Sized Satellite No. 3, followed by the sequential separation of 12 CubeSats at approximately 20-second intervals.

Lee Sangcheol, President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, explained, "All 13 satellites were separated normally within the target altitude range of 600 km ±35 km," adding that the entire flight sequence was carried out as planned. The entire flight concluded at 1:31 a.m.

Nuriho Flight 4 Heading to Space. Photo by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Next-Generation Mid-Sized Satellite No. 3 Successfully Communicates 42 Minutes After Launch

The main payload, the Next-Generation Mid-Sized Satellite No. 3, succeeded in its initial communication with the ground station at the King Sejong Station in Antarctica at 1:55 a.m. All key functions, including solar panel deployment and attitude stabilization, were confirmed to be operating normally, establishing a stable starting point for satellite operation.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute conducted two additional communications with the Daejeon ground station later that morning, and a total of 14 initial status checks are scheduled, including communications with ground stations in Antarctica and Svalbard, Norway.

During the post-launch briefing, proximity to the International Space Station (ISS) and reduced flight time were major topics of discussion.

Regarding the reason for the launch delay, Park Jongchan, Director of the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Program at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, explained, "A sensor detecting the pressure that retracts the umbilical arm sent abnormal values, which required verification," adding, "After inspection, no issues were found, so the launch time was adjusted to 1:13 a.m., the last available slot within the launch window."

On the risk of proximity to the International Space Station, he stated, "Since the ISS frequently adjusts its orbit according to its mission, collision analysis is repeated right up to launch," adding, "The final analysis confirmed that the 1:13 a.m. launch posed no risk of collision with the ISS."

Nuriho 4th Launch Trajectory Photo. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

There was also a question about the shortened flight time. Director Park explained, "The actual combustion performance of the first, second, and third stage engines exceeded predicted values, allowing the rocket to reach the target altitude more quickly," adding, "As engine output stably surpassed design standards, the mission time was shortened."

The possibility of increased payload capacity due to improved performance was also confirmed. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute stated, "We have already upgraded the payload performance to reflect engine improvements," adding, "For a 600 km sun-synchronous orbit, the payload capacity is now approximately 1 ton."

Regarding the payload cost structure, the Institute stated, "Up to the sixth launch, we will maintain a free payload structure focused on national public missions," adding, "After the seventh launch, as private sector-led launches become more common, a separate payload pricing system will be established in consultation with industry."

Plans After the Seventh Launch, Expansion of Private Sector Role... "A Turning Point for the Space Ecosystem"

The issue that drew the most attention from industry was the "plans after the seventh launch." Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated, "As an extension of the advancement project, we are working toward the seventh launch in 2028, and after the eighth launch, we aim to establish a system of at least one regular launch per year."

Yoon Youngbin, Administrator, rejoicing at the Naro Space Center Launch Command Center after the successful fourth launch of Nuri rocket. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Regarding Hanwha Aerospace's involvement, he said, "For the fifth and sixth launches, we will gradually transfer control of the launch operation console," adding that this marks a significant turning point as the fourth launch has fully initiated a private sector-led system for production, assembly, and operation.

Researchers and industry representatives also see this success as a meaningful step forward. Sohn Jaeil, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, stated, "The two-and-a-half-year gap between launches was a difficult period for the industry, but through collaboration with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, we accumulated experience in system integration," adding, "A foundation has been laid for Korean companies to enter the global launch vehicle market." Researchers also emphasized that "repeated launches and securing reusable technology are the next steps."

The government plans to accelerate the development of next-generation launch vehicles based on the Nuri rocket's continued success. Administrator Yoon stated, "The next-generation launch vehicle will be a core platform applying liquid methane-based engines and reusable technology," adding, "We will develop it as the main launch vehicle to usher in the era of the space economy in the 2030s."