KSLV1

The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I (KSLV-I), also known as the Naro-1 rocket, is South Korea’s first indigenous space launch vehicle. Developed in collaboration with Russia, the KSLV-I was designed to demonstrate the country’s capability in satellite launch technology and establish a foundation for future space exploration programs.

The rocket was jointly developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Russia’s Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. The KSLV-I consists of two stages: the first stage, powered by a Russian-built RD-191 engine, and the second stage, which uses a Korean-developed liquid-fueled engine. The rocket was intended to place a payload of up to 100 kilograms into low Earth orbit.

The first launch of the KSLV-I took place on August 30, 2009, but it failed to reach orbit due to an anomaly in the first-stage engine. The second attempt occurred on May 30, 2010, and, though the first stage performed as expected, the second stage failed to ignite properly, resulting in another failure. The third and final launch on January 30, 2013, was successful, with the rocket deploying the ST-2 satellite into orbit. This achievement marked a significant milestone for South Korea’s space program, proving its ability to independently launch a satellite.

Despite its limited success, the KSLV-I program provided valuable experience for South Korea’s subsequent space initiatives, including the development of the more advanced KSLV-II (Nuri) rocket. The KSLV-I’s legacy lies in its role as a stepping stone toward greater autonomy in space technology and satellite deployment.