169-84 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea, 34133
www.kari.re.kr/eng.do
KOREA
AEROSPACE
RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
Aerospace technology safeguards our nation.
It drives growth, inspires innovation, and shapes tomorrow.
KARI leads the way with cutting-edge aerospace solutions.
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President’s Greetings
Mission
Major Functions
Contribution to sustainable development of the national economy and improved
quality of life through new exploration, technology advancement, development,
and dissemination in the field of aerospace science and technology
Research and
development of
comprehensive systems
and core technologies
for aircraft, satellites,
and space launch
vehicles.
Support for the
establishment of national
aerospace development
policies, and distribution
and dissemination of
information on aerospace
technology
Collaborative utilization of
test and evaluation
facilities by industry,
academia, and research
institutions, and training
of specialized personnel
in key mission areas.
Development of
technology, quality
certification, and bilateral
certification between
countries ensuring
aerospace safety and
quality assurance.
Collaboration and
support for related
industries such as small
and medium-sized
enterprises in technology
commercialization and
business development.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is Korea’s leading
national research institute specializing in aerospace science and
technology, driving the growth of Korea’s aerospace industry through
the research and development of cutting-edge technologies.
Grounded in our commitment to innovation that shapes the future of
humanity, we are expanding new frontiers while pursuing sustainable
development.
Our work spans a wide range of fields—from advanced aeronautics
and satellite development to space launch vehicles, deep space
exploration, and the practical use of satellite data. We remain
devoted to continuous research and development that enhances
Korea’s global competitiveness by boldly leading the advancement
of next-generation technologies and actively supporting domestic
industry.
KARI is also committed to cultivating future talent, expanding
international cooperation, and strengthening the foundation of the
national aerospace sector—so that Korea may emerge as a global
leader in aerospace science and technology.
As a national research institute, we will contribute to both the
environment and society through aerospace innovation, uphold the
highest standards of transparency and integrity, and earn the public’s
trust through ethical management.
We kindly invite your continued interest and support as we rise to
meet the challenges of the sky and beyond.
Thank you.
Sangchul Lee,
President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute
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History / Achievements
1989. 10
Establishment of KARI under
Korea Institute of Machinery &
the Minerals (KIMM)
1999. 12
Launch of KOMPSAT-1
(Arirang-1)
2011. 11
Development of Smart UAV
2018. 11
Launch of a test launch
vehicle (Nuri TLV)
2018. 11
Successful automatic
transition flight of the
QTP-UAV
2018. 12
Launch of GEO-KOMPSAT-
2A (Cheollian-2A)
2020. 02
Launch of GEO-KOMPSAT-2B
(Cheollian-2B)
2020. 08
Successful 53 straight hour
flight of stratosphere solar-
powered unmanned Electrical
Aerial Vehicle-3 (EAV-3)
2021. 03
Launch of CAS 500-1
2021. 10
The 1st test launch of Nuri
(KSLV-II)
2022. 06
The 2nd test launch of Nuri
(KSLV-II)
2022. 06
KPS development begins
2023. 01
Danuri normal operation
begins
2023. 05
The 3rd launch of Nuri
2012. 05
Launch of KOMPSAT-3
(Arirang-3)
2012. 06
Development of dual-use
core components for the
Korean Utility Helicopter
(Surion)
2013. 01
The 3rd launch of Korea’s
first space launch vehicle
(KSLV-I)
2013. 08
Launch of KOMPSAT-5 (Arirang-5)
2013. 11
Launch of STSAT-3
2013. 12
Development of KC-100
2014. 05
Development of OPV
2015. 03
Launch of KOMPSAT-3A
(Arirang-3A)
2016. 12
KARI designated as national
organization for space
development in Korea
2001. 09
Development of canard
aircraft
2002. 11
Launch of Korea’s first
liquid-propellant rocket
(KSR-III)
2003. 08
Ground-breaking
ceremony for the space
center
2003. 09
Launch of STSAT-1
2003. 10
Development of multi-
purpose stratosphere
unmanned airship
2006. 07
Launch of KOMPSAT-2
(Arirang-2)
2008. 04
Korea's first astronaut
2009. 06
Completion of the NARO
Space Center
2010. 06
Launch of COMS (Cheollian-1)
1990. 12
Ground-breaking ceremony for
the building of the institute
1992. 10
Building Completion Ceremony
1993. 04
Development of experimental
aircraft
1993. 06/09
Launch of a single-stage
sounding rocket (KSR-I)
1993. 09
Development of EXPO
unmanned airship
1996. 11
Incorporation of KARI
1997. 03
Development of twin-engine
composite aircraft
1998. 06
Launch of a two-stage
sounding rocket (KSR-II)
09
Aerospace R&D :
Powering Korea's Strategic Future
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KARI is conducting research and development on unmanned aerial vehicles incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet
of Things (IoT) technologies to lead the future of aviation technology.
This includes high-altitude, long-endurance solar-powered drones, vertical takeoff and landing manned and unmanned dual-use
aircraft (OPPAV) for future urban transportation innovation, and low-altitude Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management
(UTM) for safe and efficient UAV operations. Additionally, KARI is actively pursuing core technology development for unmanned
mobility to foster the UAV market ecosystem.
Development of next-generation, eco-friendly, and high-efficiency unmanned aviation
Core technology driving innovation in future transportation
Smart UAV (TR-100)
Length : 5 m
Max. speed : 500 km/h
Max. take-off weight : 1,000 kg
Endurance : 5 hours
Aeronautics
Quad Tilt Prop-UAV (QTP-UAV)
Length : 2 m
Max. speed : 160 km/h
Total Weight : 48 kg
Payload : 3 kg
Endurance : 30 minutes (battery), 2 hours (hybrid)
Surion (Development of key
modules for dual civil-military purposes)
Passengers : 13 including pilot
Main rotor diameter: 15.8 m
Max. take-off weight : 8,709 kg
Max. cruise speed : 261 km/h
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing
Optionally Piloted Personal Aerial
Vehicle (OPPAV)
Length : 6.15 m
Cruise speed : more than 200 km/h
Max. take-off weight : 650 kg
Range : more than 50 km
Outdoor medium-sized disaster
and public safety UAV (MC-3)
Weight : 28.61 kg
Size (hub to tub) : 1,680 mm
Operating hours : 26.3 minutes
Tilt-Rotor UAV (TR-60)
Length : 3 m
Max. speed : 250 km/h
Max. take-off weight : 210 kg
Endurance : 5 hours
Stratosphere solar-powered
unmanned Electrical Aerial Vehicle-4 (EAV-4)
Wingspan : 30 m
Max. take-off weight :150 kg
Payload : 20 kg
Altitude : 12 km ~ 18 km
Range : 500 km
Outdoor small-sized disaster and
public safety UAV (MC-2)
Weight : 14.19 kg
Size (hub to tub) : 910 mm
Operating hours : 21.6 minutes
Indoor small-sized disaster and
public safety UAV (MC-1)
Weight : 6.91 kg
Size (hub to tub) : 589 mm
Operating hours : 20.4 minutes
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KARI is developing and operating multipurpose practical satellites such as the Arirang series, which are world-class Earth
observation satellites, next-generation medium-sized satellites, as well as GEO Cheollian series satellites capable of monitoring
weather, atmospheric environment, and oceans. KARI has actively transferred its accumulated world-class technology for satellite
development to the private sector to promote growth of the national space industry. Moving forward, KARI plans to enhance the
observation capabilities of low-orbit satellites and develop public complex communication satellites (GEO-KOMPSAT-3, Cheollian-3)
for national disaster response and enhancement of national safety capabilities, along with highly accurate precision navigation
satellites to provide accurate positioning and timing information.
World-class capability in ultra-high-precision Earth observation satellites
Development and operation of medium and large-sized GEO satellites
Satellites
Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-3
(KOMPSAT-3 (Arirang-3), 2012)
70 cm resolution / optical camera
Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-3A
(KOMPSAT-3A (Arirang-3A), 2015)
55 cm resolution / optical camera with IR sensor
Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-5
(KOMPSAT-5 (Arirang-5), 2013)
1m resolution / SAR payload
Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-6
(KOMPSAT-6 (Arirang-6), 2026)
50 cm resolution / SAR payload
Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite
(COMS (Cheollian-1), 2010)
Meteorology imager sensor / ocean color imager / Broadcasting
& communication payload
Geostationary Earth Orbit Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2A
(GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (Cheollian-2A), 2018)
Space meteorological observation payload
Geostationary Earth Orbit Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2B
(GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (Cheollian-2B), 2020)
Ocean color Imager / environment monitoring spectrometer
Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-7
(KOMPSAT-7 (Arirang-7), 2025)
30 cm or less resolution /
optical camera with IR sensor
Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2
(CAS 500-2, Scheduled for launch)
Same specification as CAS 500-1, industry takes
charge of development by transferred technology
Compact Advanced Satellite 500-1
(CAS 500-1, 2021)
50 cm resolution / optical camera / 500 kg class
satellite using standard platform
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In response to the growing number of national satellites, the National Satellite
Integrated Operations System is under development to ensure the rapid and systematic
provision of satellite information. Additionally, to facilitate efficient and reliable national
satellite operations, the Korea Satellite Operations Center has been established in Jeju.
Furthermore, KARI is enhancing satellite imagery untilization through AI-based research
such as AI-based object detection and improvement in image processing speed.
Korea Satellite Operations Center in Jeju
Typhoon Maysak, GEO-KOMPSAT 2A
AI-based object detection image of an obejct of interest
Infrared image of Seoul taken by Arirang 3A
Test image of Dokdo island taken by CAS-1
Efficient integrated operation in response to the growing
number of national satellites
Increased Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based research and
development for the better usability of satellite information
National Satellite Intergrated
Operation and Enhanced Utilization of
Satellite Imagery
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KARI has successfully developed the three-stage Nuri, a Korean launch vehicle capable of inserting 1.5-ton class
satellites into low Earth orbit (600~800 km). From 2023 to 2027, KARI plans to conduct a total of five repeated
launches of Nuri to ensure reliability and actively promote technology transfer to domestic industries.
Furthermore, KARI will continue research and development on clustering five 100-ton liquid engines, reignition
and thrust control technologies through the development project of next-generation launch vehicles including
preliminary studies on small launch vehicles, while KARI will actively support the private sector in industrialization.
Achieved independent space transportation capability through the
development of Nuri
Improving reliability through repeated launches and promoting industrialization
through technology transfer to the private sector
Pursuing R&D of smal launch vehicles and next-generation launch vehicles
with enhanced launch capability
Space Launch Vehicles
1st Stage
Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-II)
3 Stages
Development of 3D printed Methane-LOX engine combustor
Staged combustion reignition test
Propulsion system test complex (KSLV-II 1st stage hot firing ground test)
300t
3rd Stage-7t LRE x 1
2nd Stage–75t LRE x 1
1st Stage–75t LRE x 4
Open Cycle
(Gas Generator)
2nd Stage–10t LRE x 2
(clustering)
1st Stage–100t LRE x 5
Closed Cycle
(Staged Combustion)
Reignitable and Reusable
0.1t
3.3t
Stage
Configuration
Engine Thrust
(1st Stage)
Engine
Configuration
Engine
Characteristics
※ LRE : Liquid Rocket Engine
Capacity : LEO
(Low Earth Orbit)
Capacity : LTO
(Lunar Transfer Orbit)
Next Generation Launch Vehicle (KSLV-I I)
2 Stages
500t
1.8t
10t
1st Stage
2nd Stage
2nd Stage
3rd Stage
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Staged combustion reignition test
Engine test facility
Flight tracking facility
Launch pad
Launch Vehicle assembly and test facility
Space Science Museum
As a core infrastructure for national launch vehicle development, the Naro Space Center has a total area of 5 million square meters,
equipped with various state-of-the-art facilities for launch vehicle assembly, testing, launch, tracking, and control. During launch
operations, it supports tracking and data reception through tracking stations located in Jeju and Palau in the South Pacific. The
Jeju tracking station also collaborates on launch vehicle tracking, with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French National
Space Agency (CNES). In the future, the Naro Space Center plans to establish new launch pads and related infrastructure to
support launches of private small launch vehicles. Additionally, it operates a Space Science Museum, where the visitors can see and
experience various space development exhibits.
The outpost of Korean space development
Gateway to space, Naro Space Center
Naro Space Center
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The National Aviation Test Center is the first of its kind in Korea, designed for integrated testing of advanced conceptual aircraft and
nationally developed R&D aircraft, including ground and flight tests, as well as component performance evaluations.
Located in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, this center includes facilities such as a runway (700 meters long and 24 meters wide) for
medium and small aircraft, a whirl tower, and a landing gear drop test area. In 2022, an additional runway measuring 1,200 meters in
length and 45 meters in width, along with two guidance runways, was added to the existing facilities. By utilizing multiple runaways,
the center is being developed into a comprehensive and safe flight test complex, serving as a pivotal facility for national core aircraft
research and development.
Korea’s first professional aviation facility
Over 10,000 users annually from 30 organizations
National Aviation Test Center
Whirl tower
Infra for comprehensive flight test
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KARI is pursuing the development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS) to independently provide Positioning,
Navigation, and Timing (PNT) information, which is critical infrastructure for national operations, without relying
on foreign PNT systems.
Additionally, KARI has developed the Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) to reduce the error range of
GPS location information widely used today. Starting from 2023, KARI has been providing precise positioning and
integrity information for aircraft operations.
Providing highly accurate positioning and timing information
Development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS)
Satellite Navigation
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KARI has launched and is currently operating the lunar orbiter, Danuri. Since 2023, Danuri has been conducting a year-long scientific
mission using six scientific instruments, including optical imaging of potential lunar landing sites, polarized light imaging of the lunar
surface, magnetic field and radiation observations, and validation of space internet technology.
Furthermore, Korea plans to utilize next-generation launch vehicles to send a 1.8-ton lunar lander by 2032. The mission will serve as
a foundation for research and development aimed at a future Mars landing by 2045.
Korea, opening the door to space exploration
Space Exploration
Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter, KPLO (Danuri)
Lunar Orbit
Insertion Test
Orbiter
(2030)
Lunar Lander PFM
(Proto-Flight Model)
Launch
(2031)
Lunar Lander FM
(Flight Model)
Launch
(2032)
Mars exploration
Mars orbiter (2035) & lander (2045)
KARI TV (www.youtube.com/user/@KARItelevision)
KARI instagram(www.instagram.com/karistory_kari)
KARI facebook(www.facebook.com/karipr)
KARI twitter(www.twitter.com/kari2030)
Youtube
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