Our Military Successfully Develops Solid Fuel Projectile Independently

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Our military has succeeded in the first test launch of a 'solid-propellant space launch vehicle.' It is a launch vehicle developed purely with our own technology that can place small reconnaissance satellites or microsatellites into low Earth orbit.

On the 30th, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) announced that it succeeded in the first test launch to verify the performance of the solid-propellant space launch vehicle at the comprehensive test site, marking an achievement eight months after the successful combustion test of the solid-fuel propulsion engine in July last year.

The Ministry of National Defense drew attention by abruptly disclosing the success of the test launch without prior notice. This is interpreted as a response to North Korea's recent declaration of 'reconnaissance satellite development' and its launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which applies technology almost identical to that of space launch vehicles.

This result comes as the 'South Korea-U.S. Missile Guidelines,' which had restricted the use of solid-fuel-based launch vehicles, ended following the South Korea-U.S. summit in May last year, accelerating development led by the Ministry of National Defense and ADD. Propulsion engines based on solid fuel are used in space launch vehicles capable of placing small satellites or multiple microsatellites into low Earth orbit.

Solid fuel is relatively cheaper and simpler in structure than liquid fuel propulsion engines, making mass production easier. Additionally, unlike liquid fuel, it can be pre-loaded, allowing for rapid launch.

The test was held with the attendance of Defense Minister Seo Wook and key military officials, verifying essential technologies of the space launch vehicle such as large solid propulsion engines, fairing separation, stage separation, and upper stage attitude control technology.

The military plans to conduct further verification of this test launch and then launch an actual satellite. Once development is complete, it will deploy small satellites or multiple microsatellites into low Earth orbit.

Currently, the Ministry of Science and ICT is constructing a new launch pad and related infrastructure (launch pad, launch tracking system) at the Naro Space Center to support launches of small launch vehicles being developed by private companies. The new launch pad and related infrastructure are planned to expand the project in two phases?from stage 1 (solid) to stage 2 (including liquid)?to promptly respond to short-term launch demands while supporting launches from various private companies.

To increase the payload capacity of space launch vehicles in a shorter period and reduce launch costs, development of new types of space launch vehicle technology combining the advantages of solid and liquid propulsion engines is also underway. To this end, cooperation between ADD and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) will be accelerated.

KARI is also planning to develop a next-generation medium liquid launch vehicle capable of increasing payload capacity and expanding launch vehicle technology, based on technologies secured through the development of the liquid space launch vehicle Nuriho.

In a press release on the day, the Ministry of National Defense emphasized, "Recognizing that the space domain is a critical area that significantly affects national security, we will continue to early expand defense space power based on joint capabilities, including solid-propellant space launch vehicles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.