Overview
- The domestic Nuri (KSLV‑2) rocket’s fourth mission deployed a 516‑kg primary science satellite and 12 CubeSats into roughly 600 km orbit, with the main satellite contacting King Sejong Station in Antarctica.
- Korea’s space agency reports successful communications with nine of the 12 CubeSats so far, with efforts continuing to reach the remaining three using updated tracking data.
- Arianespace’s Vega C (flight VV28) launched KOMPSAT‑7 into Sun‑synchronous orbit from Kourou, and KARI confirmed first contacts via Antarctic ground stations.
- KOMPSAT‑7 carries an ultra‑high‑resolution optical camera, an infrared sensor, a control moment gyroscope for rapid pointing, and a faster onboard computer, with imagery expected after commissioning in the first half of 2026.
- The Nuri flight was the first with Hanwha Aerospace leading rocket assembly under KARI’s tech transfer, and officials plan further Nuri launches in 2026 and 2027 with a possible 2028 mission pending funding, as Vega launch operations transition from Arianespace to Avio after VV29.