[Nuri 4th Launch] Success Officially Confirmed... NGMS-3 and Secondary Payloads Communicate Normally

NGMS-3 in Excellent Condition... "All 13 Satellites Entering Mission Preparation Phase"
Five of Twelve Secondary Payloads Complete Communication... Remaining Seven to Be Checked Sequentially

The fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri has entered the stage of "complete success."

The next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 3 (CAS 3), which was launched in the early morning of the 27th, successfully entered its target orbit and established stable communication with the ground station. Among the 12 secondary payload satellites, five have already completed their initial communication, confirming that both the launch vehicle and the payloads are in normal condition.

The results of this communication serve as the final verification procedure to determine the success of the fourth Nuri launch. The Korea Aerospace Administration assessed that "all conditions for the start of the mission have been met."

CAS 3 Achieves Consecutive Communication with Ground Stations in Antarctica, Daejeon, and Norway

According to the Korea Aerospace Administration, CAS 3 succeeded in its first two-way communication with the ground station at the King Sejong Station in Antarctica at around 01:55. This was followed by additional communication with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's ground station in Daejeon at 02:48. So far, a total of 14 communications have been conducted through domestic and overseas ground stations, confirming the status of the satellite.

During the first communication, it was confirmed that the main components, including power, thermal control, and the onboard computer, were functioning normally. Subsequent communications have been used to sequentially check detailed status information, such as the attitude control system and power supply to the payloads. A representative from the Korea Aerospace Administration stated, "The satellite is in excellent condition, and all functions are operating within normal parameters."

CAS 3 will undergo an initial operation phase for about two months before officially commencing its space science missions. While orbiting the Earth 15 times a day in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), it will carry out three experiment and observation missions: 3D stem cell culture verification (BioCabinet), space plasma and magnetic field observation (IAMMAP), and airglow observation (ROKITS).

Five Out of Twelve Secondary Payloads Successfully Communicate... Seven to Be Sequentially Checked

The secondary payload satellites aboard the fourth Nuri launch have also entered the initial communication stage. Of the 12, five satellites-ETRISat (ETRI), JACK-003 and JACK-004 (Cosmoworks), INHA-RoSAT (Inha University), and K-HERO (KAIST)-have already completed their first communication with ground stations.

The remaining seven satellites (SPIRONE, EEE Tester-1, PERSAT, SNUGLITE-III, BEE-1000, COSMIC, and Sejong 4) will attempt communication sequentially according to the schedules of their respective ground stations. Since each secondary payload is operated on a different cycle by its respective institution, the timing for confirming initial success may also vary for each satellite, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration.

The Korea Aerospace Administration plans to release additional data on December 2, summarizing the communication status and initial conditions of the 12 secondary payload satellites.

Naro Space Center staff cheering and clapping with joy after successful communication with the individual satellite. Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Research Institute

"Both Satellite and Launch Vehicle Are Normal"... Final Success of Fourth Nuri Launch Confirmed

The results of this communication officially confirm that Nuri has entered its target orbit, marking the final stage of launch vehicle performance verification. As all 13 payload satellites have either successfully communicated or begun operations according to plan, the fourth Nuri launch is being evaluated as a "complete success" from both technical and operational perspectives.

Yoon Youngbin, Commissioner of the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated, "The success of this fourth launch provides an opportunity to verify the performance of 13 satellites, elevating the capabilities of Korea's space science and satellite industry. We will ensure that the fifth and sixth launches are prepared without issue, so that the payload satellites can have the same opportunities."

This launch is recognized as the first case in which private-led production and assembly were applied under the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project. The success of both the launch and subsequent communications has once again confirmed the potential for a transition to a private-sector-led space development system.