Korea AeroSpace Administration

 Backup launch window scheduled for November 28-December 4The Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that it held the 1st Launch Management Committee for the 4th Launch of the Nuri KSLV-II on September 26 to review the overall preparation status for the upcoming mission.Reflecting the outcomes of the pre-shipment review meeting of the main payload, the Next-Generation Medium Satellite-3 NEXTSat-3, held on September 29, the committee finalized the launch date for November 27, 2025, with a launch window between 00:54 and 01:14 KST.The precise launch time will be finalized at the Launch Management Committee meeting to be held on November 26, one day before the launch. During the recent meeting, KASA conducted a comprehensive review of the Nuris fourth launch readiness, covering key areas such as the final assembly schedule of the launch vehicle, the satellite preparation timeline, the operational status of the Naro Space Center, including its launch pad and range system, and other launch conditions including weather, space environment, and potential collision risks with space xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objects.Based on this assessment, the committee confirmed November 27 as the official launch date and designated November 28 to December 4 as backup launch dates to accommodate any potential delays caused by weather or other unforeseen factors.In consideration of the mission orbit of the main payload, NEXTSat-3, which will conduct observations of Earths aurora and airglow as well as measure the magnetic field and plasma in space, the launch window was set for between 00:54 and 01:14 KST, targeting an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers.The committee affirmed that all preparations for the Nuris fourth flight are proceeding smoothly. Following the successful completion of the Wet Dress Rehearsal WDR, a key pre-launch test of oxidizer loading and unloading, on September 18, subsequent procedures including the installation of pyrotechnic devices and payload integration are progressing as planned. The committee also reviewed the development status of the 13 satellites to be launched aboard the Nuri: one main payload NEXTSat-3 and twelve secondary CubeSats developed by universities, research institutes, and private companies. The Pre-shipment Review PSR, the final inspection prior to transport to the space center, has been completed, and all satellites are expected to be delivered to the Naro Space Center by the end of October.At the Naro Space Center, two performance verification tests have been conducted to ensure the reliability of the launch pad system, and nighttime operational drills were carried out to prepare for the early-morning launch of the Nuris fourth flight. The committee also reviewed the installation and test results of the hydrazine fueling facility built for the main payload, NEXTSat-3, confirming that all systems are fully operational. In addition, the range system, which tracks the Nuris flight in real time, has undergone routine performance inspections and is being readied for launch operations, with full operational readiness expected to be achieved by November.To ensure public safety and preparedness for any contingencies during launch preparation and flight, KASA conducted the first launch safety control drill on September 25. A final comprehensive rehearsal is scheduled for the end of October, involving 11 organizations, including government agencies, the military, police, and local authorities. The rehearsal will simulate various emergency scenarios under conditions identical to launch day, enabling participants to conduct realistic, scenario-based training and evaluate the effectiveness of response measures.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin emphasized, The fourth launch of the Nuri marks the first launch since the establishment of KASA, and it is also the first mission in which a system integration company takes the lead in managing the production and assembly of launch vehicle components while jointly participating in launch operations. This makes the mission especially meaningful. He added, Although about two and a half years have passed since Nuris third launch, KASA, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, the system integration company, and all related industry partners have worked together as one team to prepare for this mission. We will make every effort to ensure a flawless launch and the complete success of the Nuris fourth flight.

Final Pre-Launch Test Conducted for Nuris Fourth Launch Scheduled in NovemberKASA Administrator Visits Naro Space Center in Goheung to Encourage Luanch StaffOn September 16 Tuesday, Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, visited the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do to inspect preparations for the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket. The visit was intended to check the final pre-launch test, known as the Wet Dress Rehearsal WDR, and to encourage researchers from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI and industry partners.The WDR is a critical test in which the launch vehicle is erected on the launch pad, the connections between the vehicle and the pad are verified, and liquid oxidizer is loaded at cryogenic temperatures of -183℃ following the actual launch sequence. The purpose is to confirm the readiness and integrity of the launch vehicle prior to launch.The WDR schedule began on September 16 with the erection of the rocket, followed by oxidizer loading and unloading on the 17th, and transfer of the vehicle back to the assembly building from the launch pad on the 18th. Analyzing the WDR results will take about a week, and if no issues are found, satellite integration will proceed, with the launch targeted for November.During the visit, Administrator Yoon received a briefing on Nuris fourth launch preparations, observed the rocket erection and connection process at the pad, and encouraged researchers and staff on site.Administrator Yoon emphasized, This launch marks the first jointly conducted by KARI and Hanwha Aerospace, and it represents the first step toward a transition to private-sector leadership. He added, I thank all those who are working tirelessly for the success of Nuris fourth launch. Through this test, I urge you to thoroughly verify launch readiness and ensure flawless preparation in the time remaining. He further stated, KASA will continue to secure sustainable space transportation capabilities and provide support so that companies can take the lead in building an industrial ecosystem.

Inauguration of the KVN Seoul National University Pyeongchang Radio ObservatoryExpected to Strengthen Astronomical and Space Observation Capabilities through the Expansion of the Korea VLBI Network KVNAdministrator Yoon Youngbin of the Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA attended the inauguration ceremony of the Korea VLBI* Network KVN Seoul National University Pyeongchang Radio Observatory hereinafter KVN Pyeongchang held at Seoul National Universitys Pyeongchang Campus on Thursday, June 12, 2025, where he extended his congratulations and words of encouragement.* Very Long Baseline Interferometry: A space radio observation technique that deploys radio telescopes at dispersed locations to achieve superior resolution equivalent to the maximum distance between the telescopes.KVN is Koreas first VLBI. By connecting four 21-meter-class radio telescopes installed in Seoul, Ulsan, Jeju, and the newly established Pyeongchang site into one network, KVN secures a maximum baseline of up to 600 km from Jeju to Pyeongchang, enabling high-resolution observations ideal for studying supermassive black holes. Moreover, KVN boasts the worlds first receiver capable of simultaneously observing multi-frequency space signals, showcasing its efficient observational capabilities.The inauguration of KVN Pyeongchang is expected to greatly contribute to strengthening Koreas astronomical and space observation capabilities. With the addition of the fourth telescope, KVN Pyeongchang, to the existing three-telescope KVN, not only has the resolving power―critical for detailed celestial observations―been enhanced, but the sensitivity to detect faint signals has also been significantly improved. Since detecting its first 230 GHz signal in December 2023, KVN Pyeongchang has installed a receiver capable of simultaneous observation on three channels, and in March of last year, it successfully detected signals by linking all four KVNs for the first time.At the ceremony, Administrator Yoon stated, Based on world-class research infrastructure like the KVN Seoul National University Pyeongchang Radio Observatory, we will spare no effort to support our young talents so that they can fully pursue their dreams and boldly expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

KASA Hosts KASA R Presenting Strategic Roadmaps and Key Achievements in Space Transportation, Satellites, and Space ScienceOutlining the Vision and Direction for National Aerospace RKASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin held the KASA R on Thursday, June 12, at the Conference Hall of the Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam City.The event was attended by over 150 participants, including officials from KASA, key research institutions, and representatives from industry, academia, and research organizations in the aerospace sector. It served as an opportunity to share the Rs aerospace industry, present major achievements and results from preliminary research, and discuss future directions.During the briefing, three divisions under KASAs Mission Directorates―Space Transportation, Satellite, and Space Science Koreas Strategy for Space Transportation, Satellites, and Space Scienceapproved at the 3rd National Space Committee meeting in February, and aim to specify core mission xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objectives in each area and enhance policy execution.KASA plans to focus strategic investment on key flagship projects, including: reusable launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles in Space Transportation Directorate; ultra-high-resolution satellites, very low Earth orbit VLEO satellites , and a multi-layered orbital navigation system in Satellites Directorate; the L4 Solar Observatory and lunar lander in Space Science KASA Handbook, and the KASA Procedural Requirements KASA-PR.The Decadal Survey is a process in which domestic experts independently establish a 10-year development strategy for the field of space science and exploration. The strategy is reviewed every five years to align with technological changes and will actively inform future policy-making. The Decadal Survey was first implemented in astronomy, and a preliminary report was released through the Korean Astronomical Society on June 2, and the final report is scheduled for publication in the second half of this year.The KASA Handbook is a manual designed for both new companies with limited experience in satellite development and existing companies, providing immediately applicable guidance for satellite projects. It includes reference guidelines and examples in an appendix to assist companies in the field.KASA-PR KASA Procedural Requirements is a xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-document.that establishes standardized processes for RSecuring independent technology and transitioning to a private-sector-led structure are essential for Korea to become one of the worlds top five aerospace powers. We will provide roadmaps to expand private participation and establish a robust R He added, The journey to space cannot be completed by the government alone; it requires the collective wisdom and cooperation of industry, academia, and research organizations.

CODEX Coronagraph: Unveiling a New Face of the Solar CoronaFirst in the world to measure temperature variations in the solar corona at 3 to 8 solar radiiThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, President Park Jang hyun announced on Wednesday, June 11, that they have successfully captured images showing temperature and velocity data of the Suns corona. These images were obtained using observational data from the CODEX COronal Diagnostic EXperiment, a solar coronagraph jointly developed with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration.CODEX was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States, on November 5 of last year. It was later installed on the International Space Station, where it underwent a series of test operations before commencing full-scale observations on February 17 of this year.CODEX is an instrument that designed to observe the Suns faint outer atmosphere, known as the corona, by blocking the bright light from the solar photosphere using an occulting disk. While traditional coronagraphs could only measure the coronas density, CODEX stands out for its use of narrowband filters that enable the measurement of both temperature and velocity in the faint coronaparticularly in the region approximately 3 to 8 times the solar radii.The distributions of temperature and velocity in the solar corona, along with their temporal variations, are expected to provide valuable insights into the inflow of matter and energy that constitute the solar wind. This, in turn, is anticipated to deepen our understanding of the corona and the solar wind, and to enhance predictive models of the Suns impact on Earth.A key enabler of this achievement is the pixel-separated polarimetric camera platform technology applied to CODEX. This core technology allows for the precise separation and measurement of subtle polarization signals in high-resolution images, serving as the foundation for acquiring temperature and velocity data during this observation.John Lee, Vice administrator of the Mission Directorates at KASA, emphasized, This is a great example of the growing international cooperation in space exploration, and added, We will do our utmost to become a leading nation in solar research and space weather forecasting.

KASA Joins Global Alliance to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe- KASA Signs MoU with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory SKAO -The Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory* SKAO on the 27th to participate in the Square Kilometre Array SKA project.* The SKAO, headquartered in London, is the intergovernmental organization responsible for overseeing the SKA project, including telescope construction and operations, data processing and analysis, and international cooperation.Note: Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes detect invisible radio waves emitted by celestial bodies. They are crucial for studying obscured regions like nebulae, unusual phenomena such as black holes, and the cores of galaxies―making them essential tools for exploring the origins and evolution of the universe.Launched in 2022, the SKA project is the largest* radio astronomy initiative in history, with observatories currently under construction in Australia and South Africa. The total investment is projected to reach approximately 3 trillion KRW around USD 2.2 billion. With superior resolution, observation speed, and sensitivity compared to conventional radio telescopes, the SKA will be capable of detecting faint radio signals from the early universe. It is expected to significantly advance our understanding of cosmic origins and the search for extraterrestrial life. Twelve countries―including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, China, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, India, Canada, and Portugal―are currently full members of SKAO.* ① Medium-frequency array: 197 telescopes across a 150 km baseline in the Karoo, South Africa② Low-frequency array: about 130,000 antennas across a 74 km baseline in the Murchison desert, AustraliaKASA stated that the signing of this MoU marks an important step toward obtaining a status equivalent to that of a SKAO member state, enabling the dispatch of Korean experts to support the construction and operation of the SKA, and laying the groundwork for domestic industry participation in procurement. KASA added that this will not only strengthen its cooperation with SKAO, but also foster technological development in the domestic space industry and create new opportunities for profit.Meanwhile, KASA is currently undergoing the necessary domestic and international procedures to obtain full membership status. Once full membership is secured, Korea will gain voting rights in SKAOs key decision-making processes.Administrator Yoon remarked, This MOU marks Koreas meaningful first step toward participating in global astronomical research. Through our involvement in the SKA project, we aim to support Korean research institutes and industries in joining the global scientific ecosystem and expanding humanitys knowledge of the universe.