– Backup Launch Period Set from October 8 to 14– 5 Microsatellite Constellation System Satellites and 10 CubeSats Onboard
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh) held the first Launch Management Committee meeting in Sacheon on Thursday, August 27 and decided Wednesday, October 7, 2026 as the scheduled launch date for the fifth launch of Korea Space Launch Vehicle Nuri (KSLV-II, hereinafter “Nuri”).
At the Launch Management Committee meeting, the readiness status and future plans for Nuri, its payload satellites, and the Naro Space Center (including the launch pad and tracking systems), as well as launch conditions such as weather, space environment, and the possibility of space object collisions, were comprehensively reviewed. Based on the review, Wednesday, October 7 was set as the scheduled launch date, while a backup launch period from October 8 to October 14 was established in consideration of possible schedule changes caused by unforeseen factors, including weather conditions.
In addition, considering the mission objectives of the Microsatellite Constellation System, which aims to establish a high-frequency and high-precision monitoring system for national security and disaster response, the launch window was set from 12:23 to 13:23 KST. The exact launch time will be finalized on the day of launch.
At the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, final assembly operations for Nuri, including stage integration and the installation of pyrotechnic devices, are progressing smoothly. The five Microsatellite Constellation System satellites arrived at the space center on Monday, August 24, and functional checks are currently underway prior to their integration with the launch vehicle. The 10 CubeSats developed by industry, academia, and research institutions (one for verification of domestically developed components and parts, two that are selected through the CubeSat Competition, and seven that are selected through the public contest) are scheduled to arrive at the space center by Monday, August 31.
Performance verification tests for the launch pad and tracking systems at the Naro Space Center have been completed, and continuous inspections will be conducted until launch to maintain optimal conditions. Weather and space environment conditions on the scheduled launch date have been analyzed to be favorable, and no possibility of collision with space objects is expected.
KASA also conducted a command and control training exercise for launch safety operations on Wednesday, July 15 to thoroughly prepare for emergency situations that may occur during launch preparations and the launch process and to ensure public safety. KASA plans to conduct a comprehensive exercise involving 12 organizations, including the government, military, police, and local governments in early September. This exercise will help simulate emergency situations and verify response measures under various scenarios through realistic training.
KASA Administrator Taeseog Oh emphasized, “The fifth launch of Nuri is a significant mission that will carry a record-high 15 satellites and deploy a satellite constellation into orbit for the first time in Korea. It will serve as an opportunity to further advance Nuri’s mission capabilities and Korea’s space transportation capabilities.” He added, “We will make thorough preparations over the remaining month to achieve a successful launch.”