South Korea's homegrown Nuri rocket successfully launched from Naro Space Center early on November 27. Carrying 13 satellites, it reached the target altitude of 600 km and deployed them, with the main satellite CAS500-3 establishing communication with King Sejong Station in Antarctica. The mission marks a shift toward private sector-led space development.
The 200-ton Nuri rocket lifted off from Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, at 1:13 a.m. on November 27, 2025. Delayed 18 minutes from the planned 12:55 a.m. due to a sensor issue, the first stage separated two minutes after launch, and the second stage four minutes and 30 seconds in. The 18-minute flight ended at 1:31 a.m., reaching 600 km altitude where it deployed the CAS500-3 main satellite and 12 cube satellites. Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, CAS500-3 focuses on aurora observation, space magnetic fields, and plasma measurement, carrying three instruments including Hallym University's BioCabinet for 3D bioprinting and stem cell experiments in microgravity. Among the cube satellites, Space LiinTech's BEE-100 tests protein crystallization for immunotherapy drugs, and UZURO Tech's COSMIC evaluates post-mission disposal technology amid tightening space debris regulations. The total payload weighed 960 kg, nearly double the 500 kg from the May 2023 third launch.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) confirmed CAS500-3's first communication with King Sejong Station in Antarctica at 1:55 a.m. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stated, "The fourth launch of Nuri was successful," calling it "an important turning point in which the focus of the space ecosystem shifted to the private sector." KASA Administrator Yoon Young-bin emphasized ongoing efforts to bolster capabilities. This was the first launch where Hanwha Aerospace handled manufacturing, assembly, and operations following a 24 billion-won ($16.2 million) technology transfer from KARI in July 2025. President Lee Jae-myung hailed it as "a moment that opens a new chapter," noting private involvement from manufacturing to operation. Prior launches include a partial success in October 2021, full success in June 2022 making South Korea the seventh nation for over-1-ton payloads, and commercial satellite deployment in May 2023. Future plans include a fifth launch in 2026 and sixth in 2027, with Hanwha holding exclusive rights through 2032. Experts like Professor Huh Hwan-il of Chungnam National University see it as the start of private-led space exploration, akin to Japan's model with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
