Breakthrough for South Korea: Fourth Nuri Launch Deploys CAS500-3 Satellite for Aurora Research

South Korea Achieves Successful Fourth Launch of Homegrown Nuri Rocket, Deploying 13 Satellites

December 14, 2025

The Nuri rocket lifts off from Naro Space Center during a previous successful mission. (Source: Space.com)

Goheung, South Korea — South Korea has successfully conducted the fourth launch of its domestically developed Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket, placing 13 satellites into their designated orbits. The 200-ton rocket blasted off from the Naro Space Center in the southern coastal town of Goheung.

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) confirmed the mission's success, noting that the main satellite, CAS500-3, established communication with South Korea's King Sejong Station in Antarctica shortly after deployment, verifying its operational status.

"The fourth launch of Nuri was successful... This marks a crucial turning point in transitioning to a private-led space ecosystem."
— Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon

This launch was the first led by private company Hanwha Aerospace, signifying South Korea's shift toward commercial space capabilities.

Mission Details and Payloads

The primary payload, CAS500-3 (a next-generation medium-sized satellite), will conduct scientific tasks including measuring space magnetic fields, plasma, and observing auroras. It was accompanied by 12 CubeSats for various research and technology demonstrations.

• All separation stages and orbit insertions proceeded as planned.
• The rocket reached a target altitude of approximately 600 km.
• This was South Korea's first nighttime Nuri launch, timed to minimize solar interference for the main satellite's aurora observation mission.

A dramatic view of the Nuri rocket ascending during its second successful launch in 2022. (Source: The New York Times)

The three-stage Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket, fully developed with South Korean technology. (Source: SpaceLaunchNow)

Historical Context and Future Plans

South Korea's Nuri program began with its first launch in 2021 (partial success), followed by successes in 2022 and 2023. The fourth launch builds on gradual technical advancements and reinforces the country's independent space access.

Plans include a fifth launch in 2026 and a sixth in 2027, with potential for annual launches thereafter to strengthen South Korea's position in the global space industry.

View from the Naro Space Center during a Nuri mission. (Source: The Japan Times)

This milestone highlights South Korea's growing prowess in space technology, transitioning from government-led to private-sector-driven initiatives.

Sources: Yonhap News Agency, Reuters, Korea Herald, KASA/KARI official statements (November-December 2025).

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