The upcoming fifth launch of the Nuriho rocket, scheduled for October 7, will serve as a platform for domestic companies to validate their space technologies. Hanwha Aerospace is taking the lead as the prime contractor, expanding its role from rocket manufacturing to launch operations. Other companies, including LG, SK Hynix, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, are also participating in component testing and launch infrastructure development, contributing to the growth of the private space industry ecosystem.
According to industry sources on October 6, Hanwha Aerospace will manage the entire production process for the fifth launch, overseeing everything from assembly to electrical integration. While the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) led the production for the first three launches, the fourth marked a shift to private companies taking on the entire manufacturing process. For the fifth launch, Hanwha Aerospace will also be involved in actual launch operations. Personnel from Hanwha Aerospace will directly participate in key console operations, expanding the scope of technology transfer from production to launch operations.
The roles of participating companies have diversified. LG is using this launch as a testing ground for its entry into the space business. Three of its subsidiaries—LG Electronics, LG Energy Solution, and LG Innotek—are validating five types of components, including battery cells, communication module antennas, and camera modules, in a real space environment. Following the inclusion of an LG Innotek camera module in the fourth launch, LG is increasing the number of validated components and participating subsidiaries for the fifth launch.
While LG focuses on extending its existing mass production technologies to space, SK Hynix is verifying the space compatibility of its semiconductors. SK Hynix's DRAM and Universal Flash Storage (UFS) will be tested in a domestic satellite designed for space verification, assessing their performance under radiation, vacuum, and rapid temperature changes. The goal is to secure a track record of actual space flight beyond ground testing.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Rotem are responsible for the ground infrastructure and propulsion systems for the launch. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has built the entire launch system, including ground mechanical systems (MGSE), propellant supply systems (FGSE), and launch control systems (EGSE) for the second launch pad at the Naro Space Center, and will oversee the launch system operations for the fifth launch. Hyundai Rotem is advancing the development of next-generation propulsion technologies, including methane engines for reusable space launch vehicles, based on the establishment of propulsion system testing facilities.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also expanding its presence in the space industry through satellite development. KAI is broadening its satellite platform lineup from small to medium and large satellites and is working on the development of ultra-high-resolution satellites, thereby expanding its business scope in satellite manufacturing and data utilization. The value chain of the space industry, centered around launch vehicles, is expanding to include satellites, components, infrastructure, and data utilization.
In addition to large corporations, over 300 domestic small and medium-sized enterprises are participating in the fifth Nuriho launch. The roles of these companies are becoming more specialized, ranging from component supply for rocket manufacturing to satellite production, launch infrastructure, and space environment testing.
An industry insider stated, "The fifth Nuriho launch is significant not only for transferring rocket manufacturing to the private sector but also for expanding the participation of private companies, from actual launch operations to technology validation in space environments, including both large and small enterprises. In the future, the roles of companies in various fields, including launch vehicles, satellites, components, and ground infrastructure, will become more specialized, leading to a substantial growth of the domestic space industry ecosystem."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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