Successful test launch of solid-propellant space launch vehicle… First to be equipped with a private commercial satellite

The launch of a private commercial satellite using the Agency for Defense Development’s solid-propellant space launch vehicle technology was successfully completed in the sea near Jeju Island on the 4th.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that this case is significant in that it is the first public-private One Team cooperation linking satellite and launch vehicle technology, and it has proven the core performance and achievement of solid-propellant launch vehicle technology development.

This launch also served as the third test launch of a solid-propellant space launch vehicle and was conducted under the supervision of Hanwha Systems, a private company.

Accordingly, Hanwha Systems produced a launch vehicle and satellite based on the solid-propellant launch vehicle and orbital entry technology being developed by the Agency for Defense Development and carried out the actual launch.

In particular, this case is an exemplary case for supporting the revitalization of the private-led new space industry, and unlike previous test launches that carried dummy satellites, it succeeded in loading a real-use satellite for the first time and putting it into space orbit.

As a result, we succeeded in verifying most of the core technologies for the development of solid propellant launch vehicles, including performance verification of each propulsion engine.

In addition, through this successful launch, our military has come one step closer to securing independent space capabilities that can quickly deploy small satellites into low-Earth orbit in the future.

The Ministry of National Defense said that in a situation where North Korea continues to pose a security threat, such as by launching a reconnaissance satellite in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, this successful launch will contribute to accelerating the acquisition of space-based surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, which are the core of the Korean three-axis system. He emphasized that it is more meaningful.

In addition, our military will do its best to secure space power, including space launch vehicles, at an early stage, while recognizing that space is a key area that has a significant impact on national security.

Furthermore, we plan to continue to support government-level efforts to revitalize the private sector-led new space industry and become one of the world’s top seven space powers through the transfer (spin-off) of secured technology to the private sector.