Nuriho Successfully Launched from Goheung: "Opening the Era of Private Space Exploration"

Goheung County Accelerates Expansion of Private-Sector Space Infrastructure

Goheung County, South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin), announced that at 1:13 a.m. on the 27th, the Korean launch vehicle "Nuriho (KSLV-II) Flight 4," the first launch vehicle led by private companies, was successfully launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung County.

This success marks an important turning point in Korea's space development, signifying a shift from a government-led approach to a private sector-centered "New Space" era.

At 1:13 a.m. on the 27th, the Korean launch vehicle "Nuriho (KSLV-II) Flight 4," the first launch vehicle led by private companies, was successfully launched from Naro Space Center in Goheung County. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

For the fourth launch of Nuriho, Hanwha Aerospace, a private company, took the lead in the production, assembly, and operation of the launch vehicle, playing a crucial role in strengthening the capabilities of the private space industry and advancing technology.

Since being officially selected as the "Nuriho System Integration Company" in December 2022, Hanwha Aerospace is expected to continue its role in production and operation for the fifth launch in 2026 and the sixth launch in 2027, further solidifying its position as a central company in Korea's private space launch industry.

Gong Youngmin, Governor of Goheung County, stated, "The success of this launch is a historic moment that marks a meaningful first step into the 'New Space era' led by the private sector," adding, "We look forward to Hanwha Aerospace, which has signed an agreement to join the National Space Launch Vehicle Industrial Complex, leading the development of Korea's space industry together with Goheung County."

He further emphasized, "Goheung County, as a forward base for the national space industry, will further strengthen the space industry ecosystem through close cooperation with private companies."

To this end, the county plans to accelerate the early establishment of the National Space Launch Vehicle Industrial Complex, which has been exempted from the preliminary feasibility study, and to speed up the expansion of key infrastructure such as private combustion test facilities and private launch pads. At the same time, it will promote initiatives to support the technology development and research activities of companies planning to move into the national industrial complex.

In particular, Goheung County expects that after the completion of the second phase of the private launch pad project in 2030, there will be one to two launches per week in Goheung, and the completion of the Science Complex, an experience and education facility, will attract many tourists, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.