Goheung County Achieves Success with Domestic Launch of Privately Developed Test Launch Vehicle

Accelerating the Rise as a Hub for the Space Launch Vehicle Industry

Goheung County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced on May 29 that at 11:50 PM on May 28, Unastella Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Jaehong), a domestic private space launch vehicle company, successfully conducted a test launch of its self-developed small launch vehicle, "Una Express No. 1," in Yeompo Village, Bongrae-myeon, Goheung County.

This launch marks the first time in Korea that a private company has independently designed, manufactured, and operated a test launch vehicle and successfully launched it domestically. It is a significant achievement that sets a new milestone for the Korean space industry. With this, Goheung County is now solidifying its status as a key hub for the demonstration and commercialization of private space technology.

On the night of the 28th at 11:50 PM, Unastella Co., Ltd., a domestic private space launch vehicle company, successfully conducted a test launch of its self-developed small launch vehicle, Una Express No. 1, in Yeompo Village, Bongrae-myeon, Goheung County. Photo by Goheung County

Unastella, founded in 2022, is a private space launch vehicle company. In March last year, the company signed an agreement with South Jeolla Province and Goheung County to move into the National Space Launch Vehicle Industrial Complex. Once the complex is completed, Unastella plans to establish and operate manufacturing facilities for the production and research and development of small launch vehicles within the complex.

The "Una Express No. 1" developed by Unastella is a small launch vehicle measuring 9.45 meters in length, with a total weight of 2 tons and equipped with a 5-ton-thrust-class engine. In this test, the vehicle flew a total of 10 kilometers and then safely descended into the sea, successfully completing the launch campaign.

This launch was safely carried out thanks to the active cooperation of local residents, including the Yeompo Village Association, Narodo Fishermen's Association, and Goheung Coastal Gillnet Association, as well as the organic support of more than 100 people from related organizations such as the Korea Aerospace Administration, South Jeolla Province, Goheung County, Goheung Police Station, Goheung Fire Station, Yeosu Coast Guard, West Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, and Army Unit 7391.

Governor Gong Youngmin visited the launch site in person and stated, "It is very meaningful that the private sector's first step toward space began here in Goheung. I sincerely congratulate Unastella on their challenge and success, together with the 60,000 residents of the county."

He added, "We will continue to provide the best possible infrastructure and administrative support so that private space companies can pursue stable research and development as well as commercial advancement."

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