HD Hyundai Heavy Industries: The Unsung Hero Behind Nuriho's Fourth Successful Launch with Its Launch Pad System

Launch Pad System Built with Domestic Technology
Localization of Mechanical, Fluid Supply, and Control Equipment
"We Will Take the Lead in the Fifth and Sixth Launches as Well"

With the successful fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho (KSLV-II), the competitiveness of the launch pad system built with domestic technology has once again been proven. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries oversaw the entire launch pad system, which was completed entirely with Korean technology from design and manufacturing to operation, demonstrating that South Korea can stably operate its own launch infrastructure.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it managed the launch pad system during the fourth launch of Nuriho (KSLV-II) in the early morning of the 27th. The company provided stable support for all four launches, from the first to the fourth. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries was responsible for the construction of the second launch pad (three underground floors, total floor area of approximately 6,000 square meters), which was completed in 2020. The company independently designed, manufactured, and installed all aspects of the launch pad system, including the Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), Fluid Ground Support Equipment (FGSE), and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).

In the early morning of the 27th, Nuriho, prepared for launch on the launch pad built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries was responsible for the entire process, from pre-launch inspections and functional tests to the moment of launch. In particular, the company achieved a 100% localization rate for the Nuriho launch pad system, earning recognition for establishing a foundation that enables South Korea to build and operate its own space launch infrastructure without relying on foreign technology.

The space launch infrastructure technology of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began with the Naroho launch pad construction project in 2007. Since then, the company has participated in every stage of the Nuriho launches from the first to the fourth, accumulating expertise in launch pad design, manufacturing, and operation. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries believes that these technological assets will serve as the foundation for next-generation launch vehicle projects and the expansion of the domestic space industry ecosystem.

A representative from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated, "The success of this fourth launch is a meaningful achievement that once again confirms the stability of the launch pad system built with domestic technology. We will actively participate in the operation of the fifth and sixth Nuriho launches, as well as next-generation launch vehicle projects, to contribute to strengthening South Korea's space competitiveness."