Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) announced on November 27 that the Next-Generation Medium Satellite No. 3 (NGMS-3), developed under its leadership, has been successfully launched.
The satellite was carried into orbit by the Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket at 1:13 a.m. and established first contact with the ground control center at 1:55 a.m., confirming normal operation.
NGMS-3, designed and built by KAI, is a medium-class satellite developed entirely with domestic technology, utilizing the standardized platform technology secured during the development of the first satellite in the series. The new spacecraft features three mission payloads developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), KAIST, and Hallym University.
The satellite will support three core missions:
• The KASI payload will observe Earth’s auroras and upper atmospheric phenomena.
• KAIST’s instrument will study space plasma and magnetic field disturbances to better understand ionospheric irregularities.
• Hallym University’s payload will verify three-dimensional stem cell culture using bio 3D-printing technology in microgravity.
KAI plans to leverage the standardized platform and localization technologies gained through this program to expand satellite export opportunities. The company is exploring overseas markets—including Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—and expects to create synergy with its aircraft export business.
To strengthen export competitiveness, NGMS-3 was built entirely with ITAR-free components, with three critical parts localized to compete with satellites from global suppliers.
For more than 30 years, KAI has played a leading role in South Korea’s government-led space programs, contributing to the development of multipurpose satellites, geostationary satellites, next-generation medium satellites, and military reconnaissance satellites. In this fourth launch of the Nuri rocket, KAI contributed not only by developing NGMS-3 but also by participating in the production and assembly of the launch vehicle’s first-stage propulsion structure.
KAI has also strengthened its one-stop satellite development capabilities. Last year, the company completed construction of a 4-ton class large thermal vacuum chamber—the first of its kind by a private company in Korea—allowing simultaneous testing for satellites ranging from small to large sizes. Additional electromagnetic testing infrastructure will further enable integrated design, manufacturing, and environmental testing in one location.
“This launch of NGMS-3 marks a turning point in Korea’s transition toward a private-driven space industry,” said Kim Ji-hong, head of KAI’s Future Convergence Technology Division. “As Korea’s leading aerospace company, KAI will continue expanding into advanced satellite development and reusable launch vehicle programs, helping position the nation as a global powerhouse in the space economy.”
