Nuri (rocket)
First South Korean orbital launch vehicle developed domestically
title: "Nuri (rocket)" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["space-launch-vehicles-of-south-korea", "korea-aerospace-industries-spacecraft", "2021-in-south-korea", "korea-aerospace-research-institute"] description: "First South Korean orbital launch vehicle developed domestically" topic_path: "geography/south-korea" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuri_(rocket)" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary First South Korean orbital launch vehicle developed domestically ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox rocket"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Nuri (KSLV-II) |
| image | KSLV-II Nuri Launch 2021-10-21.jpg |
| caption | KSLV-II Nuri launching from the Launch Pad 2 at Naro Space Center, 21 October 2021. |
| function | Small/Medium-lift launch vehicle |
| manufacturer | {{indented plainlist |
| * Korea Aerospace Industries (final assembly)<ref name | K |
| country-origin | South Korea |
| pcost | (spaceport included) |
| height | 47.2 m |
| diameter | 3.5 m |
| mass | 200000 kg |
| stages | 3 |
| capacities | {{Infobox rocket/payload |
| location | LEO |
| altitude | 200 km |
| mass | 3300 kg |
| location | SSO |
| altitude | 700 km |
| mass | 1900 kg |
| location | GTO |
| mass | 1000 kg |
| status | Active |
| sites | Naro, LC-2 |
| launches | 4 |
| success | 3 |
| fail | 1 |
| first | 21 October 2021 |
| last | 26 November 2025 (most recent) |
| stagedata | {{Infobox rocket/stage |
| type | stage |
| diff | |
| stageno | First |
| length | 21.6 m |
| diameter | 3.5 m |
| empty | |
| gross | |
| propmass | |
| engines | 4×KRE-075 |
| thrust | SL: 2942 kN |
| vac: 759000 lb-f | |
| SI | SL: 261.7 isp |
| vac: 298.6 isp | |
| burntime | 127 seconds |
| fuel | LOX/Jet A-1 |
| type | stage |
| stageno | Second |
| length | |
| diameter | 2.6 m |
| empty | |
| gross | |
| propmass | |
| engines | 1×KRE-075 |
| thrust | 788 kN |
| SI | 315.4 isp |
| burntime | 148 seconds |
| fuel | LOX/Jet A-1 |
| type | stage |
| stageno | Third |
| length | 3.5 m |
| diameter | 2.6 m |
| empty | |
| gross | |
| propmass | |
| engines | 1×KRE-007 |
| thrust | 68.7 kN |
| SI | 325.1 isp |
| burntime | 498 seconds |
| fuel | LOX/Jet A-1 |
| :: |
| name = Nuri (KSLV-II) | logo = | logo_size = | image = KSLV-II Nuri Launch 2021-10-21.jpg | caption = KSLV-II Nuri launching from the Launch Pad 2 at Naro Space Center, 21 October 2021. | upright = | function = Small/Medium-lift launch vehicle | manufacturer = {{indented plainlist|
- Korea Aerospace Research Institute (design)
- Korea Aerospace Industries (final assembly)
- Hanwha Aerospace (engine manufacturing)
- Hyundai Heavy Industries (launchpad) | country-origin = South Korea | pcost = (spaceport included) | cpl = | cpl-year = | height = 47.2 m | diameter = 3.5 m | mass = 200000 kg | stages = 3 | capacities = {{Infobox rocket/payload | location = LEO | altitude = 200 km | inclination = | mass = 3300 kg | location = SSO | altitude = 700 km | inclination = | mass = 1900 kg | location = GTO | altitude = | inclination = | mass = 1000 kg | comparable = | status = Active | sites = Naro, LC-2 | launches = 4 | success = 3 | fail = 1 | other_outcome = | first = 21 October 2021 | last = 26 November 2025 (most recent) | payloads = | stagedata = {{Infobox rocket/stage | type = stage | diff = | stageno = First | name = | length = 21.6 m | diameter = 3.5 m | empty = | gross = | propmass = | engines = 4×KRE-075 | thrust = SL: 2942 kN vac: 759000 lb-f | SI = SL: 261.7 isp vac: 298.6 isp | burntime = 127 seconds | fuel = LOX/Jet A-1 | type = stage | diff = | stageno = Second | name = | length = | diameter = 2.6 m | empty = | gross = | propmass = | engines = 1×KRE-075 | thrust = 788 kN | SI = 315.4 isp | burntime = 148 seconds | fuel = LOX/Jet A-1 | type = stage | diff = | stageno = Third | name = | length = 3.5 m | diameter = 2.6 m | empty = | gross = | propmass = | engines = 1×KRE-007 | thrust = 68.7 kN | SI = 325.1 isp | burntime = 498 seconds | fuel = LOX/Jet A-1
Nuri (), also known as KSLV-II (Korean Space Launch Vehicle-II), is an expendable, three-stage-to-orbit, small-lift launch vehicle, the second one developed by South Korea and the successor to Naro-1 (KSLV-1). It is developed by Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). All three stages use Korean developed launch vehicle engines, making Nuri the first orbital launch vehicle entirely developed and manufactured in South Korea.
History
The South Korean government decided to fund the development of relatively cheap and reliable rockets competitive enough for the commercial launch market.
On 21 October 2021, Nuri made its initial orbital launch attempt at 08:00 UTC and it launched a 1500 kg dummy satellite payload into what was planned to be a 700 km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). However, despite the payload reaching the targeted apogee (700 km), the third stage shut down about 46 seconds earlier than planned and the payload did not achieve orbital speed.
Nuri made its second flight on 21 June 2022, 07:00 UTC, with a payload of 1500 kg including a 1300 kg dummy satellite payload and a 180 kg performance verification satellite (PVSAT) including four cube satellites. The second launch was successful, putting all the satellites onto the 700 km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
After the two test launches, Nuri showed higher than expected performance, increasing its payload from 1,500 kg (3,300 Ib) to 1,900 kg (4,200 Ib).
Nuri is the first launch vehicle developed with domestic, South Korean, technology throughout all processes, including design, manufacturing, and testing. With its successful launch, South Korea became the seventh country in the world to have a medium-sized liquid-propellant rocket engine over 75 tons.
Specification
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Second_launch_of_the_Korean_Space_Launch_Vehicle-II_on_21_June_2022.webm" caption="The second launch of KSLV-II at the [[Naro Space Center]], 21 June 2022"] ::
Nuri (KSLV-II) is a three-stage launch vehicle. The first stage booster uses four KRE-075 SL engines generating 266.4 tons of thrust with a specific impulse of 289.1 seconds. The second stage booster uses a single KRE-075 Vacuum engine, which has a wider nozzle for increased efficiency in vacuum with a specific impulse of 315.4 seconds. The third stage booster uses one KRE-007 engine with a specific impulse of 325.1 seconds. Both engine models use Jet A as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer.
Development
When technology development for Nuri began by October 2010, the overall design goal was to develop a new expendable medium-lift launch vehicle that was entirely South Korean. Nuri first reached orbit in June 2022. The total cost of the development program was approximately US$1.5 billion.
Engine development
Main article: KRE-075
- In March 2014, the first combustion test of the 7-ton class combustor, was successfully completed, and the total assembly and initial ignition test of the KRE-007 engine started in July 2015. In addition, the first phase of the project was completed with the addition of a three-stage engine combustion test facility and a combustor combustion test facility. However, the problem of combustion instability in the KRE-075 burner required rework.
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Third_launch_of_the_Korean_Space_Launch_Vehicle-II_on_25_May_2023.webm" caption="The third launch on 25 May 2023"] ::
- Hanwha Techwin Co. signed on 25 January 2016, a 14.1 billion won (US$11.77 million) contract with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to produce both types of liquid propellant rocket engines for Nuri.
- On 8 January 2016, the second phase of the project was carried out to overcome the difficulties of combustor combustion instability and welding technology of the liquid engine fuel tank, and a combustion test of the KRE-075 engine for a few seconds was successful.
- On 3 May 2016, the KRE-075 engine underwent a 1.5 second long spark ignition test. It was later fired for 75 seconds on 8 June 2016. Following these successes, on 20 July 2016, at 1:39 pm, the final target combustion time of 145 seconds (147 seconds) was achieved. During the ground test, the engine performed nominally, with all values such as combustion safety and combustion thrust within the expected error range. During an actual launch, the first stage engine is expected to burn for 127 seconds and the second stage engine for 143 seconds.
- Starting from October 2016 to October 2021, there have been over 184 combustion tests of the second prototype KRE-075 engine.
KRE-075 sea level engine
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/한국형발사체_75톤급_액체엔진_시험모델_1호기_시험부_장착_(3).jpg" caption="KRE-075 engine"] ::
::data[format=table]
| Fuel | Thrust | Specific impulse | Height | Diameter | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 / LOX | |||||
| SL: 2942 kN, vac: 759000 lb-f | |||||
| SL: 261.7 isp, vac: 298.6 isp | |||||
| 2.9 m | |||||
| 2 m | |||||
| Gas generator | |||||
| :: |
The KRE-075 engine was developed in April 2016 after the 30 tf engine development program.
KRE-075 vacuum engine
::data[format=table]
| Fuel | Thrust | Specific impulse | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 / LOX | |||
| 803000 lb-f | |||
| 315.4 isp | |||
| Gas generator | |||
| :: |
KRE-007 engine
::data[format=table]
| Fuel | Thrust | Specific impulse | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 / LOX | |||
| 70000 lb-f | |||
| 325.1 isp | |||
| Gas generator | |||
| :: |
KSLV-II TLV
The Test Launch Vehicle (TLV) was a single stage launch vehicle (with a planned two stage version), qualifying the performance of the KRE-075 engine which powers the KSLV-II. The TLV was 25.8 m in length, 2.6 m in diameter, and with a mass of 52.1 tons. The main-stage liquid rocket propellant engine was fully gimballed. With the 2nd stage engine installed, the two-stage version of TLV could perform as a small satellite launch vehicle.{{cite news|title=South Korea’s Innospace succeeds in test launch |first=Park |last=Si-soo |date=March 21, 2023 |url=https://spacenews.com/south-koreas-innospace-succeeds-in-test-launch/ |publisher=Space News |access-date=May 11, 2025}}
2018 flight
::data[format=table]
| Payload | mass simulator |
|---|---|
| :: |
The TLV was launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, on 28 November 2018. The main objective of the first suborbital flight was for the single-stage rocket's main engine to burn 140 seconds, reaching a 100 km altitude before splashing down in the sea between Jeju Island and Okinawa Island.
The maiden flight was first delayed from 25 October 2018 for one month, due to abnormal readings detected in the launch vehicle propellant pressurization system. The test flight was then rescheduled for 28 November 2018, at 07:00 UTC (16:00 KST). No payload was to be placed into orbit.
The launch of the TLV while deemed successful with its main engine burning for 151 seconds in a 10-minute flight, was not broadcast live. After reaching a maximum altitude of 209 km, the launch vehicle stage splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, 429 km southeast of Jeju Island.
As the TLV was meant to serve as a test craft, and as the flight ended in a success, there was not a second TLV launch.
Canceled future version (KSLV-IIA)
As of 2020, further improvements were planned to be added after the success of KSLV-II program, under the name of KSLV-IIA.{{Cite report |title= 2020 Preliminary Feasibility Study Report on the Korean Launch Vehicle Upgrade Project|trans-title = 2020년도 예비타당성조사 보고서 한국형발사체 고도화 사업|publisher= Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)|date= 2021 |url= https://www.kistep.re.kr/reportDetail.es?mid=a10305070000&rpt_tp=831-003&rpt_no=RES0220210170 |access-date = 25 October 2025 |language=ko |format= PDF}} With mainly increasing the thrust of the KRE-075 of the first stage from 735 kN to 804 kN and specific impulse from 261.7 seconds to 315.4 seconds, this would have increased the capacity of a payload to 700 km SSO to increase from 1900 kg to 2800 kg. The overall size of the rocket was also planned to grow, to the height of 54 m and wet mass of 232 tons.
Ministry of Science and ICT canceled the plan in 2021, criticizing it for lacking of challenge, and not reflecting the abolition of South Korea Ballistic Missile Range Guidelines. Subsequently, the ministry decided to develop KSLV-III instead of upgrading KSLV-II.
Usage
Nuri will be used in launching several Earth observation satellites, such as KOMPSAT, medium-class satellites and LEO reconnaissance satellites. It is planned to support South Korea's Moon exploration mission to send orbiters and landers. Nuri will be South Korea's first launch vehicle to enter the commercial launch service market. The launch cost is estimated to be around US$30 million, which is cheaper than its Asian counterparts. This will allow for South Korea to provide cheap launch services for Southeast Asia countries.
South Korea plans to launch a high-weight rocket named KSLV-3 in 2030 instead of improving the KSLV-2. The decision is aimed at narrowing the technology gap with other countries.
Instead, it plans to develop a low-cost rocket that miniaturizes the KSLV-2 and is considering launching a military satellite to monitor North Korea.
Launches
::data[format=table] | Flight No. | Date / time (UTC) | Payload | Payload mass | Orbit | Customer | Launch outcome | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | October 21, 2021, 08:00 | Nuri Test Payload 1 | 1500 kg | LEO (planned) | KARI | | | | | | | | | | Third stage shut down 46 seconds early, failed to reach orbit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | June 21, 2022, 07:00 | Nuri Test Payload 2 (1.3 tons), PVSAT (180 kg, with 4 CubeSats) | 1500 kg | SSO | KARI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | May 25, 2023, 09:24 | NEXTSat-2, SNIPE 1,2,3,4, JLC-101-v1-2, Lumir-T1, KSAT3U | 240 kg | SSO | KAIST, KASI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | November 26, 2025, 16:13 | CAS500 3, Domestic device and component verification satellite 1, 11 CubeSats | 655.7 kg | SSO | KARI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2026 | Domestic Device and Component Verification Satellite 2, NEONSAT 2,3,4,5,6 | | SSO | KARI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2027 | NEXTSat 3, Domestic Device and Component Verification Satellite 3, NEONSAT 7,8,9,10,11 | | SSO | KARI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ::
Notes
References
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