Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Korea Aerospace Research Institute
Hangul	한국항공우주연구원
Hanja	韓國航空宇宙研究院
Revised Romanization	Hanguk Hanggong Uju Yeonguweon
McCune–Reischauer	Han'guk Hanggong Uju Yŏn'guwŏn

Korea Aerospace Research Institute
한국항공우주연구원
Agency overview
Abbreviation	KARI
Formed	10 October 1989; 34 years ago
Type	Space agency
Headquarters	Daejeon, South Korea
Motto	Aerius Spatium
Administrator	Lee Sang-Ryool
Primary spaceport	Naro Space Center
Owner	National Research Council of Science & Technology
Annual budget	₩615 billion; (US$553.1 million); (FY2021)
Website	Official KARI website in English ; Official KARI website in Korean

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI; Korean: 한국항공우주연구원; Hanja: 韓國航空宇宙研究院; RR: Hanguk Hanggong Uju Yeonguweon), established in 1989, is the aeronautics and space agency of South Korea. Its main laboratories are located in Daejeon, in the Daedeok Science Town. KARI's vision is to continue building upon indigenous launch capabilities, strengthen national safety and public service, industrialize satellite information and applications technology, explore the Moon, and develop environmentally-friendly and highly-efficient cutting-edge aircraft and core aerospace technology. Current projects include the KSLV-2 launcher. Past projects include the 1999 Arirang-1 satellite. The agency was founded in 1989. Prior to South Korea's entry into the Institute for Advanced Engineering (IAE) in 1992, it focused primarily on aerospace technology. As of May 2024, KARI is an affiliated research institute of the Korea AeroSpace Administration.^[4]

Background

KARI began on October 10, 1989, as a national aerospace research institute with the purpose of contributing to sound development of the national economy and enhancement of people's lives through a new exploration, technological advancement, development, and dissemination in the field of aerospace science and technology.^[5]

Timeline

1989.10 Establishment of KARI affiliated to Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM)
1990.12 Cornerstone – Laying ceremony for the building of the institute
1992.07 Authorized as the Inspection Agency, designated by the AIDP Law
1992.10 Completion of construction of the research building complex
1993.04 Experimental Aircraft Kachi Development
1993.06.09 Launch of Single-stage Sounding Rocket (KSR-I)
1993.09 EXPO Unmanned Airship Development
1995. Korea launched its first communications satellite named Koreasat * 1996.11 Independent organization as KARI, an Incorporated Foundation
1997.03 Twin-engine composite Aircraft Development
1997.04 Authorized as the Type Certification Agency, designated by the Aviation Law
1998.06 Launch of Two-stage Sounding Rocket (KSR-II)
1999.01 Change of Type Certification Agency
1999.12 Launch of Korea Multiple Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT I) also known as Arirang I
2001.01 Change of name to Korea Aerospace Research Institute
2001.09 Canard Aircraft Development
2002.11 Launch of Liquid-propellant Rocket (KSR-III)
2003.05 Cornerstone – laying ceremony for the Aircraft Flight Test Center
2003.08 Cornerstone – laying ceremony for the NARO Space Center
2003.09 Launch of STSAT (Science and Technology Satellite)-1^[6]
2003.10 Multi-Purpose Stratosphere unmanned-airship Development
2004.10 Completion of Jeju island Tracking Station
2005.01 Installation of South pole ground station
2006.07 Launch of Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT 2) also known as Arirang II
2008.03 Transfer to Korea Research Council of Fundamental Science & Technology (KRCF)
2008.04 The first Korean astronaut
2008.12 Medium Aero stats Development
2009.06 Completion of NARO Space center
2009.08 The 1st launch of Korea's 1st space launch vehicle KSLV-1
2010.06 Launch of COMS
2010.06 The 2nd launch of Korea's 1st space launch vehicle KSLV-1
2011.11 Smart UAV Development
2012.05 Launch of Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite(KOMPSAT)-3
2012.06 Korean Utility Helicopter Surion Development
2013.01 The 3rd launch of Korea's 1st space launch vehicle KSLV-1
2013.08 Launch of Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT)-5
2013.11 STSAT(Science and Technology Satellite)-3 Development
2013.12 4KC-100 Development
2014.05 OPV Development
2014 Research on lunar exploration cooperation began
2015.03 Launch of Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT)-3A
2015.08 EAV-3 development
2015.12 The completion of KSLV-II's engine combustion test facility
2016.12 Designated as a National Space Development Agency
2018.11 Launch of Test Launch Vehicle(TLV)
2018.12 Launch of GK-2A(GEO-KOMPSAT-2A)

Mission and Major Functions

Perform basic and applied studies in aerospace technology

Development of leading-edge technology aircraft, aircraft evaluation and testing, and support of national development projects

Research and development of comprehensive system and core technology of aircraft, satellite, and space launch vehicle

Support national aerospace development policy establishment, distribution, and diffusion of aerospace technology information

Development and KSLV(Korea Launching of Space Launch Vehicles) and Operation of Space Center

Perform government-delegated tasks and support policy development

Development of technology for assuring aerospace safety and quality, and maintenance of legal quality certification and internationally recognized certification systems
Establishment and support of the National Aerospace Development Policy and dissemination of knowledge on aerospace technology

Support industries and transfer technology

Joint utilization of testing facilities and equipment with industries and academia, and training of scientists and engineers
Transfer of technology from research and development and provisions for commercialization support

Organization^[7]

KARI Innovation Advisory Group
External Relations and Cooperation Office
International Cooperation Office
Safety, Health and Security Office
Overseas Contracts Office
Auditing Division
Public Relations Office
Quality Management Office
IT and Information Security Office
Technology Commercialization Office
Aeronautics Research Directorate
Satellite Research Directorate
NARO Space Center
Management Support Directorate
Strategy and Planning Directorate
National Satellite Operation & Application Center
KPS R&D Directorate
Unmanned Vehicle Advanced Research Center
SBAS Program Office
Space Pioneer Program Office
Strastopheric Drone Technology Development Center
Future Innovation Research Center
KARI Academy

Developments

KARI is also developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, high-altitude airships, a next-generation multi-purpose helicopter project, next- generation medium satellite, and a lunar exploration project. In addition, several satellites, including the KOMPSAT (also known as Arirang) Series, the COMS (Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite), and the STSAT (Science and Technology Satellite), are developed, operated, or under development by KARI. On January 30, 2013, they launched a satellite into space from their own soil for the first time.^[8]

KARI began in 1989 to develop its own rockets (KSR, Korean Sounding Rocket). It produced the KSR-I and KSR-II, one and two-stage rockets in the early 1990s.

In December 1997 it began development of a LOX/kerosene rocket engine. KARI wished to develop satellite launch capability. A test launch of the KSR-III took place in 2002.^[9]

The first-stage unguided rocket KSR-I was produced by KARI in cooperation with research institutes such as industry, academia, and research institutes for the development of rockets. R&D took place for three years from 1990, and the total development cost was 2.85 billion won. Their goal was to develop a solid unguided science tube survey rocket that could observe the ozone layer over the Korean Peninsula.^[10]

Earth observation program

KSLV-1 launched on August 25, 2009. It was originally a cluster of indigenous liquid KSR-III rockets with a solid propellant to form a multistage launcher. However, KARI experienced more difficulties than expected in SLV development, because it required much stronger propellant power than KSR-III possessed to launch a satellite into orbit.^[11] After several failed attempts, KARI turned to Russia's Khrunichev Design Bureau for assistance in developing a liquid-propellant rocket engine for the KSLV-1 as well as for cooperation in the construction of the launch facility at the Naro Space Center. The first stage of the launcher was derived from the Russian URM-1 (Universal Rocket Module) developed by Khrunichev. The second stage of the launcher was a solid Kick Motor developed by Korea, which included the Inertial Navigation System; the power, control, and flight safety systems; plus the nose fairing.^[11] South Korea launched its next rocket, the KSLV-2 in 2021. The first stage of KSLV-II has 4 clustered engines, each of which has a 75 metric ton thrust. All three stages use indigenously developed rocket engines.

Active Missions: KSLV-1, KSLV-2, Koreasat, ANASIS-II

Satellite program

SaTReC

The KAIST's SaTReC, responsible for the nation's small scientific satellites.^[12]^[13]

KARI satellites^[14]	Type	Equipment	Orbit	Operational	Status
KOMPSAT 1 (Arirang 1)	Earth observation	EO	SSO	1999–2008	Retired
KOMPSAT 2 (Arirang 2)	Earth observation	EO	SSO	2006-2015	Retired
KOMPSAT 3 (Arirang 3)	Earth observation	EO	SSO	2012-	Active
KOMPSAT 3A (Arirang 3A)	Earth observation	EO/IR	SSO	2015-	Active
KOMPSAT 5 (Arirang 5)	Earth observation	SAR	SSO	2013-	Active
KOMPSAT 6 (Arirang 6)	Earth observation	SAR	SSO	2022	Planned
KOMPSAT 7 (Arirang 7)	Earth observation	EO/IR	SSO	2022	Planned
KOMPSAT 7A (Arirang 7A)	Earth observation	EO/IR	SSO	2024	Planned
CAS 500-1 (Compact Advanced Satellite 500)	Earth observation	EO	SSO	2021-	Active
CAS 500-2 (Compact Advanced Satellite 500)	Earth observation	EO	SSO	2022	Planned
GEO-KOMPSAT 1 (COMS 1, Cheollian 1)	Meteorology / Communication	Meteo Imager, Ocean colour Imager, S-/L-Band transponder, Ka-band transponders	GEO	2010-	Active
GEO-KOMPSAT 2A (GK 2A, Cheollian 2A)	Meteorology	AMI (Advanced Meteorological Imager) and KSEM (Korean Space Environment Monitor)	GEO	2018-	Active
GEO-KOMPSAT 2B (GK 2B, Cheollian 2B)	Meteorology	GOCI-II (Geostationary Ocean Color Imager-II) and GEMS (Environmental monitoring sensor)	GEO	2020-	Active
KPLO (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter)	Interplanetary Spacecraft	LUTI, PolCam, KMAG, KGRS, DTNPL, ShadowCam	Lunar orbiter	2022	Active

Korea Positioning System (KPS)

South Korea plans to spend 4 trillion won ($3.56 billion) on building its own Regional Navigation Satellite System (RNSS), named Korean Positioning System (KPS). It plans launching seven new satellites by 2035 — three into geosynchronous orbit and four into inclined geosynchronous orbit.^[15]^[16] South Korea and the U.S. signed an agreement on “civil global navigation satellite systems cooperation,” under which the U.S. will support South Korea developing KPS. The two governments plan to work together to ensure compatibility and enhance interoperability of GPS and KPS for civil purposes.^[17]

Lunar and interplanetary missions

Korean Lunar Exploration Program

The Korean Lunar Exploration Program (KLEP) is divided in two phases.^[18]^[19] Phase 1 incorporates the launch and operation of a lunar orbiter called Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), which will be the first lunar probe by South Korea,^[20] meant to develop and enhance South Korea's technological capabilities, as well as map natural resources from orbit. In December 2016, KARI signed a lunar exploration technical cooperation with NASA which increased the possibility of exploration success greatly. Phase 2 will include a lunar orbiter, a lunar lander, and a rover^[21] to be launched together on a KSLV-II South Korean rocket from the Naro Space Center,^[22]^[18] by 2030.^[23]^[24]

KPLO will fly 100 kilometers above the moon to carry out a lunar observation mission. The project will be carried out by KARI in charge of the system, the main body of the orbiter, and the ground station, and South Korean universities and research institutes will cooperate together.^[25]

Aircraft

Stratospheric airship

A 10-year program to develop a stratospheric airship for telecommunication relays and ground observations at 20 km altitude has started in December 2000.^[26]^[27]

Smart Tilt Rotor UAV

In late 2011, KARI unveiled its tiltrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that can fly at around 400 km/h.^[28]

High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

KARI is developing an electric-driven HALE UAV in order to secure system and operational technologies since 2010.^[29]

Optionally Piloted Personal Air Vehicle (OPPAV)

KARI leads the research and development program to develop a one-seat class electric VTOL (eVTOL) demonstrator. Flight tests of a sub-scale technology demonstrator will be started by 2021.^[30]^[31]