Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

ROK test-fires first solid-propellant space launch vehicle

On March 30, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) successfully conducted its first test-firing to verify the performance of a solid-propellant space launch vehicle developed entirely with homegrown technologies at its testing site. The test was attended by the Minister of National Defense and top officials from each armed service.

This test aimed to verify the core technologies used for space launch vehicles, including large-scale rocket propellants, payload fairing and stage separation mechanisms, and upper stage attitude control systems.

After additional verification, the solid-propellant space rocket will be launched with a real satellite. This will lead to the development of a space launch vehicle which can put micro or ultramicro satellites into a low Earth orbit. The developed technologies will be transferred to the private sector (spin-off), and it is expected that this will greatly contribute to the invigoration of the domestic space industry. 

The ADD said in a statement that our military will expeditiously advance defense space power, including a solid-propellant space launch vehicle, based on cross-service cooperation, in recognition of the fact that space is a key domain that has a significant impact on our national security.