Nuri | NeonSat-2 to 6

### South Korea's Nuri Rocket Set to Deploy NeonSat-2 to 6 in Landmark Earth Observation Mission

On September 30, 2026, South Korea's space ambitions will take another significant step forward with the launch of the Nuri rocket carrying the NeonSat-2 to 6 satellites. This mission, part of the broader NeonSat constellation, underscores the nation's push toward self-reliant space technology and enhanced Earth monitoring capabilities. As the first government-led satellite system built through a mass-production model, NeonSat represents a shift from bespoke satellite development to scalable, cost-effective production, enabling rapid deployment for national needs.

The primary objectives of the NeonSat-2 to 6 mission focus on bolstering South Korea's Earth observation infrastructure, particularly for precise monitoring of the Korean Peninsula. These micro-satellites, each weighing around 100 kilograms, are designed to form a constellation that provides high-resolution imagery and data for applications including disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and national security. Equipped with advanced optical sensors, the satellites can capture images with resolutions down to 0.5 meters, allowing for detailed analysis of land use changes, agricultural patterns, and potential threats like wildfires or floods. By operating in low Earth orbit at approximately 500 kilometers altitude, they ensure frequent revisits—up to several times per day over key areas—enhancing real-time decision-making. This mass-production approach not only reduces costs but also allows for modular upgrades, making the constellation adaptable to evolving technological demands.

At the heart of the mission is the Nuri rocket, South Korea's indigenously developed three-stage launch vehicle. Standing 47.2 meters tall and weighing about 200 tons at liftoff, Nuri is powered by liquid-fueled engines: the first stage features four clustered KRE-075 engines delivering 300 tons of thrust, while the second and third stages use single KRE-075 and KRE-007 engines, respectively. This design emphasizes reliability and scalability, with a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Nuri incorporates homegrown technologies like turbopumps and guidance systems, marking a departure from reliance on foreign components.

Nuri's performance history has been a tale of perseverance and progress. Its maiden flight in October 2021 failed to reach orbit due to a third-stage engine issue, but the second attempt in June 2022 succeeded, deploying a performance verification