South Korea’s Nuri rocket set to launch first domestic satellite constellation

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 12:31

By: Azzat Manal

South Korea’s Nuri rocket set to launch first domestic satellite constellation

South Korea is preparing for a major milestone in its space program as its locally developed Nuri rocket is scheduled to launch 15 satellites during its fifth mission in October, including five spacecraft that will form the first domestic small-satellite constellation.

The Korea Aerospace Administration said the launch is planned for October 7 from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, about 330 kilometers south of Seoul. The mission represents another step in the country's efforts to strengthen its independent space capabilities and develop a domestic satellite industry.

The primary payload will consist of five NEONSAT satellites with a combined weight of approximately 500 kilograms. The rocket will also carry 10 CubeSats as secondary payloads, with a total weight of around 96 kilograms.

The mission will mark the first time Nuri has been used to deploy several satellites designed to perform the same type of mission sequentially into orbit. To minimize the risk of collisions, the five NEONSAT satellites will be released in different directions at intervals of approximately 35 to 40 seconds.

Park Jae-sung, head of the Space Transportation Division at the Korea Aerospace Administration, described the launch as an important turning point for South Korea's satellite development. He said the mission would support the country's move toward mass production and the operation of satellite constellations.

Each NEONSAT satellite will be equipped with an electro-optical camera capable of collecting imagery for national security and disaster-response purposes. The satellites are expected to support monitoring activities involving events such as forest fires and floods.

The complete NEONSAT constellation will eventually comprise 10 satellites operating across two orbital planes. Five satellites are scheduled to be deployed during Nuri's fifth flight, while the remaining five are expected to be launched aboard the rocket's sixth mission in 2027.

Once fully operational, the constellation is expected to provide more frequent observation of the Korean Peninsula, allowing it to be imaged more than three times a day and enabling the satellites to revisit the same location within 24 hours.

The project reflects South Korea's broader ambition to expand its presence in the global space industry by developing indigenous launch vehicles, satellites and related technologies. Building satellite constellations capable of providing frequent Earth observation could also strengthen the country's ability to respond rapidly to natural disasters and monitor strategically important areas.

The Korea Aerospace Administration said preparations for the October mission are progressing according to schedule and that it will continue working closely with relevant organizations to ensure the launch proceeds successfully.

The fifth Nuri mission is therefore expected to serve not only as another test of South Korea's launch capabilities, but also as a key step toward establishing a more advanced and commercially sustainable domestic space ecosystem.