Hanwha Selected as Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Provider for Lunar Exploration

Passed Technical Capability Evaluation with Sole Bid
Higher Performance than Nuriho... Mid-to-Long-Term Lunar Exploration Mission

Hanwha Aerospace is embarking on the development of the next-generation launch vehicle (KSLV-Ⅲ), following the Nuri rocket (KSLV-Ⅱ).

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 20th that it has been selected as a negotiation candidate for the "Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Development Project: Overall Launch Vehicle Production Management" announced by the Public Procurement Service.

Hanwha Aerospace has been performing the Nuri rocket system integration work together with KARI since 2022. The image shows the Nuri rocket, which successfully launched its third flight in May 2020. (Photo by Hanwha Aerospace)

Through the 'Technical Capability Suitability Evaluation' conducted on the 12th, the company was recognized for its project execution capabilities and is expected to finalize the contract after final negotiations with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

This project is a core national space program aimed at developing a new launch vehicle to send key payloads such as lunar landers into space, according to the national space development roadmap. It is regarded as a project that opens a full-fledged era of a private sector-led space economy, with private companies participating in all processes from design to launch operation alongside KARI.

The next-generation launch vehicle will be developed with significantly enhanced performance compared to the Nuri rocket, to support large satellite launches and space exploration. It is tasked with the challenging mission of sending a lunar lander by 2032 through a total of three launches.

Hanwha Aerospace has accumulated engine technology over 26 years, starting with the development of the scientific observation rocket (KSR-Ⅲ) in 1999, and has acquired capabilities in manufacturing medium-to-large launch vehicles through the Nuri rocket advancement project. With the technology and experience secured through this next-generation launch vehicle project, the company plans to establish a private-led space industry ecosystem and enter the global launch service market.

Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said, "This project is difficult but is a national task that someone must undertake. Together with domestic participating companies, we will focus our capabilities with a sense of mission and responsibility," adding, "We also ask for the active support of the government and the public."

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