CAS500-5 MissionObjectives and Applications Water resource monitoringMission SummaryFull Name Compact Advanced Satellite 500 -5Mission Status ApprovedMission Agencies KAI [Lead Agency (Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.)] , KARI [Cooperating Agency (Korea Aerospace Research Institute)]Launch Date Dec 2026
South Korea's next Nuri rocket to launch deep space exploration demonstrator2025.12.03The sixth flight of the Nuri rocket, scheduled for next year, will carry satellites aimed at promoting the public interest, ranging from deep space exploration to disaster and emergency preparedness, environmental monitoring, national land management, and human resource development.The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) announced on the 3rd that they have selected a total of six secondary payloads for the sixth Nuri launch. [...]The selected secondary payloads consist of one 3U (Unit, where 1U is a 10 cm cube), four 6U, and one 27U satellite. They will be carried aboard the sixth Nuri rocket, scheduled for launch in 2027, to perform a variety of missions.The 3U CubeSat selected is 'Suncheonsat-1' by Suncheon City. Its mission is to photograph the Suncheon Bay National Garden and wetlands, analyze ecological changes, and verify the performance of space components from companies within the city.The four 6U CubeSats selected are: 'K-STAR' from the National Security Research Institute, which aims to test and verify national cybersecurity technologies for responding to space-based threats; 'KAFASAT-2' from the Korea Air Force Academy, intended for cadet education through the accumulation of microsatellite design and development technologies; 'GAIMSat-1' from Gwangju City, which aims to secure artificial intelligence (AI) on-board data processing technology and verify autonomous flight algorithms; and 'KMU ET-02' from Kookmin University, designed for early disaster risk detection through the analysis of forest species, vegetation, and moisture levels nationwide, as well as for nurturing talent in space and AI.The 27U CubeSat selected is KARI's 'demonstrator for deep space exploration.' Its purpose is to conduct preliminary trajectory research for future deep space missions by performing an orbit change from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) using low thrust, and to photograph the Moon and the asteroid Apophis. GSO refers to an orbit in which a satellite circles the Earth at the same speed as the planet's rotation period (24 hours).The sixth Nuri launch will have five microsatellites (Nos. 7-11) of a constellation as its primary payload. In addition to the six CubeSats selected through the public call, the secondary payloads will include KARI's 'Satellite for Verifying Domestic Components No. 3' and the 'Active Debris Removal Satellite (ADRSat)' being developed by the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center under the 'Active Space Object Control Precursor Technology Development Project.' A total of 13 satellites are scheduled to head to space.[...]
innospacecorp @innospacecorp🚀 D-2: Final Countdown for HANBIT-NanoINNOSPACE has entered the final preparation phase for the SPACEWARD mission. HANBIT-Nano heads to the launch pad on Dec. 15 (BRT), followed by final checks ahead of liftoff.📍 Launch Schedule• Brazil: Dec. 17, 15:45 (BRT)• Korea: Dec. 18, 03:45 (KST)• Launch window: Dec. 16–22 (BRT)🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MHUtPC
innospacecorp @innospacecorpSPACEWARD | Mission Update All required actions are complete, and SPACEWARD mission operations resumed at 10:00 AM (BRT) today. 🛠️ Our team is taking care of avionics and system verifications today, along with high-pressure gas loading. • Scheduled Launch:Dec. 19, 15:45 (BRT)Dec. 20, 03:45 (KST)Dec. 20, 00:15 (IST)• Launch Window: Dec. 16–22 (BRT) 📹 Watch the livestream: https://bit.ly/4aMqpMH
Kyovon🌌 @kyovon_16KASA's second space center plan mentioned, and the proposed site is Jeju island.It's southernmost part of Korea, and able to launch in more wider angle which is 30°, twice of the current Naro Space center's.source:https://www.jejunews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2221933
innospacecorp @innospacecorpHANBIT-Nano was fully erected on the launch pad at 16:35 (BRT).Following the completion of corrective actions on the ground power supply system at the launch site, launch operations have officially resumed.We are currently conducting functional checks and preparing for oxidizer loading.Liftoff is scheduled for 21:30 (BRT).Join us as we begin the countdown. 🕒🙌🔗 Watch the livestream: https://bit.ly/4aMqpMH
innospacecorp @innospacecorpSPACEWARD | Mission UpdateDue to a technical issue identified during system checks of the HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle, today’s launch attempt (19th, 21:30 BRT) has been concluded.The issue requires additional technical review related to the functionality of the second-stage liquid methane engine tank filling valve.A new launch attempt within the launch window will be determined following coordination with the Brazilian Air Force.• Launch Window: Dec. 16–22 (BRT)
Looks like this one will not launch in 2025 after all. From the press release of today's Electron launch:Quote‘The Wisdom God Guides’ mission was Rocket Lab’s 79th overall Electron mission and final scheduled launch for 2025. The next Electron launch is slated to take place in early Q1 2026.
‘The Wisdom God Guides’ mission was Rocket Lab’s 79th overall Electron mission and final scheduled launch for 2025. The next Electron launch is slated to take place in early Q1 2026.
innospacecorp @innospacecorpSPACEWARD | Launch Date RescheduledBRT: Dec 22 3:45 PMKST: Dec 23 3:45 AMIST: Dec 23, 12:15 AMFollowing a review of technical readiness and the Launch Conjunction Assessment (LCA), the launch date has been confirmed.The SPACEWARD mission continues with a strong focus on safety and mission reliability.🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3L8dZo5
innospacecorp @innospacecorpSPACEWARD | Mission UpdateLaunch operations are being adjusted in consideration of weather conditions.The launch, originally scheduled for 3:45 PM (BRT) on Dec. 22, is now expected to take place after 10:00 PM (BRT) on Dec. 22.According to the Brazilian Air Force Meteorological Service, rainfall exceeding 3 mm per hour is forecast between 1:00–4:00 PM (BRT).Considering the local weather conditions (rain), it was agreed to temporarily suspend launch operations and resume them once conditions improve.• The exact launch time will be announced once confirmed.BRT: After 10:00 PM, Dec 22KST: After 10:00 AM, Dec 23IST: After 6:30 AM, Dec 23
Jonathan McDowell @planet4589LAUNCH of Innospace (S Korea)'s HANBIT NANO from Alcantara (Brazil) at 0113 UTC
Jonathan McDowell @planet4589Looks like the rocket impacted the ground at T+1:13 and exploded. Waiting for confirmation and details
SANTA FE, N.M. — South Korean launch startup Innospace said it will attempt a second launch of its small rocket in the first half of 2026 after its inaugural flight failed shortly after liftoff Dec. 22.
innospacecorp @innospacecorpINNOSPACE expands its global launch footprint to Europe!We have signed a launch site use agreement with the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium (ASC), securing priority, long-term access to the Malbusca Launch Center on Santa Maria Island in Portugal’s Azores. Through this agreement, INNOSPACE expands its launch footprint to Europe, following Brazil and Australia. 🗺️🏝️ The operational independence and open launch trajectories of an island-based spaceport will further reinforce tailored mission execution and commercial launch competitiveness.🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/44VH8tu
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute, in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, plans to conduct the fifth Nuri launch in the third quarter of this year, followed by a sixth launch in 2027. The upcoming fifth mission is expected to test Nuri’s capability for repeated launch operations and to advance South Korea’s satellite technology and utilization by placing multiple microsatellites and technology demonstration satellites into orbit.Under the current schedule, next year’s sixth launch would be the final confirmed Nuri mission. A seventh launch in 2028 is under discussion with budget authorities.
The fifth launch of Nuriho, originally scheduled for June of this year, is expected to take place approximately two months later in August. The two-and-a-half-year gap between Nuriho's third and fourth launches is believed to have had some impact, highlighting the importance of consecutive launches.According to aerospace industry sources on the 7th, the Korea Aerospace Science and Technology Administration (KASA) is reviewing a plan to hold the fifth launch of Nuriho, originally scheduled for June in the first half of the year, in August.The plan is to complete the assembly of the Nuriho (FM5) for the fifth launch in the first half of this year, complete the assembly in the second half of the year, and then launch the fifth launch in August. The KASA will begin the assembly of the Nuriho (FM6) for the sixth launch in the second half of this year.A KSA official explained, "As we worked out the detailed schedule while promoting the project, we determined that August was an appropriate launch date and are currently reviewing it. We plan to consult with the Nuriho satellite company and other relevant parties to determine the launch time."It is not unusual for launch vehicle launch schedules to be delayed by several months. However, some in the field point out that the launch schedule was delayed due to the prolonged hiatus leading up to the fourth launch of Nuriho last year, which hindered the timely procurement of parts and hardware for the fifth launch.In the component manufacturing field, the two-and-a-half-year gap is considered extremely difficult to maintain manufacturing expertise. The lack of sufficient iterations hinders the acquisition of parts manufacturing expertise, and the resulting disruption in industry work could lead to a loss of technical personnel.An industry insider involved in the production of Nuriho stated, "The hiatus in the launch process hindered the transfer of technical expertise, leading to a higher number of defects in the manufacturing processes of various parts for Nuriho's fourth launch compared to previous launches. The fifth launch appears to have been affected by the same delay, and we believe it could be delayed further."
