South Korea achieved a major milestone in its space program with the successful fourth launch of the Nuri rocket. The launch occurred on November 26, 2025, from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, placing over a dozen satellites into orbit.
The Nuri rocket carried the CAS500-3, South Korea's largest satellite at 516 kilograms, designed for Earth observation. This science satellite will capture images of auroras and airglow while measuring plasma and magnetic fields. Additionally, the payload included 12 CubeSats from universities and institutions, testing technologies such as solar cells and ocean monitoring.
This mission marks the first time a private company, Hanwha Aerospace, assembled the rocket, signaling a shift toward commercial space efforts. The three stage Nuri reached an altitude of 600 kilometers, with all stages performing as planned.
Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) Administrator Yoon Young bin hailed the success, stating, "This launch advances our capabilities in mass production and efficient operations." Science Minister Bae Kyunghoon added, "We will continue steadfast progress in our space endeavors."
The achievement reduces South Korea's reliance on foreign technology and positions the nation in the global space race. Future plans include two more Nuri launches by 2027, aiming for lunar and deep space missions.