Korea’s First Rocket Engine

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-II).
The Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-II).

 

Hanwha Techwin Co. announced on January 25 that it has recently signed a 14.1 billion won (US$11.77 million) contract with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to produce a liquid propellant rocket engine for the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-II).

Under the agreement, Hanwha Techwin will produce a liquid rocket engine, which is the heart of a launch vehicle, and a turbo pump, which provides an engine with fuel and oxidizing agents. By the end of this year, the company will supply a 75 ton class liquid rocket engine and turbo pump and a 7 ton class liquid rocket engine.

Since a liquid propellant rocket engine needs to endure extreme environments, such as high temperature, high pressure and extremely low temperature, at the same time during a short burning time, it is the result of technological integration, including technologies related to combustion stabilization, heat resisting alloy and extremely low temperature substances. It is the cutting-edge technology, which is owned by only a few advanced countries. Due to almost no technology transfers between countries, it is the important sector which should secure its own technology.

From the initial stage of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle project, Hanwha Techwin has taken part in producing various valves and establishing test facilities as well as engines and turbo pumps for launch vehicles. With the latest contract, the company will also participate in the second stage of the project, which is run from 2015 to 2018, being acknowledged for having the top-level aerospace technology once again.

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