Suitable for Low Earth Orbit Satellites
The South Korean government is aiming to develop a solid fuel-based small space launch vehicle by 2024 and the development is expected to be led by the private sector.
A space launch vehicle of this type is much simpler in structure and launch preparation than one using a liquid fuel. In addition, the cost of the former is approximately 10 percent of that of the latter, although the former’s thrust per unit weight is smaller than the latter’s. It is suitable for a low earth orbit satellite as it contains the fuel at all times.
The government is also planning to develop a solid fuel-based kick motor, which will be installed at the upper end of the vehicle for an increase in space probe weight. A launch vehicle with a kick motor can send a probe farther.
The government recently reexamined its satellite navigation system building project to be initiated next year along with its microsatellite development roadmap. Also, it deliberated on its satellite communication R&D strategy for a 6G network to interconnect satellites and the ground. The government is aiming to build a pilot satellite constellation by launching 14 low earth orbit communication satellites by 2031.