South Korea’s space agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), has locked in an exciting date for the fourth launch of its homegrown Nuri rocket. The Nuri, officially called the Korea Space Launch Vehicle II (KSLV-II), will blast off on November 27, marking the agency’s first mission since it officially started operations.
KASA Administrator Yoon Young-bin shared the news after a key launch management meeting last week and a review of transporting the rocket’s main payload—a cutting-edge mid-sized satellite. “This launch will be the first since the establishment of the space agency,” Young-bin said. He added, “We will ensure flawless preparation and work as one team to achieve success.”
If weather or other issues pop up, backup launch dates run from November 28 to December 4. The rocket will lift off from the Naro Space Center in the southern coastal town of Goheung, sometime between 12:54 a.m. and 1:14 a.m. Officials will nail down the exact time the day before.
The Nuri will haul not just that main satellite but also 12 smaller ones, which should arrive at the space center by late October. This mission builds on South Korea’s growing space program, including past Nuri successes.
In other big news for KASA, the agency just boosted its 2026 budget by 15% to 1.11 trillion won—about $798 million. Most of the extra cash targets satellite development and lunar exploration, helping South Korea ramp up its role in space transportation, communications, navigation, and future industries.
For satellites specifically, funding jumps by 24.4 billion won to 236.2 billion won. That includes 6.2 billion won for ultra-high-resolution imaging satellites and projects on 6G-based low-orbit satellite communications.
On the flip side, the space transportation budget drops by 46.4 billion won (14.9%) to 264.2 billion won. KASA points to the wrap-up of the Nuri rocket program and delays in the next-generation launch vehicle as reasons for the cut.
This push shows South Korea’s commitment to expanding its space ambitions, from homegrown rockets like the Nuri to bold steps in satellite tech and moon missions.
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