169-84 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea 34133
www.kari.re.kr/eng.do
KOREA
AEROSPACE
RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
Aerospace development, which protects the nation
and its people, is a growth engine of Korea.
With cutting-edge aerospace technology,
KARI will strive to open up a new future for Korea.
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President’s Greetings
Mission
Major Functions
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is a specialized organization for national aerospace development,
which was established with the purpose of contributing to the national development. Despite its short history, KARI
is becoming a world-class aerospace research institute through its tireless efforts of research and development.
In the field of aeronautics, KARI developed a tilt-rotor UAV and stratosphere solar-powered unmanned Electrical
Aerial Vehicle-3 (EAV-3). Also, the Optionally Piloted Personal Air Vehicle (OPPAV) capable of vertical takeoff and
landing using electric power, which is expected to be the core of next generation transportation, is in the process
of development. In the area of satellite, KOMPSAT (Korea multi-purpose satellite, Arirang) series, which are earth
observation satellites with high resolution and GEO-KOMPSAT (Cheollian) series to monitor the weather, ocean
& environment, were developed and are being operated. In addition, in order to meet the public demand and
industrialize the satellite sector, KARI successfully developed and launched CAS (Compact Advanced Satellite)
using a standard platform. For space launch vehicle, KARI is developing KSLV-II (Korea Space Launch Vehicle,
Nuri) equipped with 7-ton and 75-ton engines, and research on a staged combustion cycle engine to improve the
performance of liquid engine, is being carried out. Moreover, as the first major step toward space exploration,
the development of KPLO (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter) is in progress. KARI is also preparing for the era of 4th
industrialization by developing various cutting-edge technologies including analytics platform converging AI and
big data of drone and satellite imagery.
Built upon its experience and achievement, KARI will remain fully committed to securing future and innovative
technologies. In order to achieve such initiatives, KARI will be focusing on developing environment-friendly and
highly-efficient advanced aircraft and core technologies of manned and unmanned aerial vehicle. Furthermore,
KARI will continue its endeavor in advancing future technology by developing state-of-the-art satellites,
industrializing satellite technologies, establishing Korean Positioning System (KPS) to provide ultra-precision
location information, securing indigenous satellite launch capability with its own space launch vehicle and
obtaining space exploration technologies.
Aerospace technologies integrated with AI, robot, and future transportation systems, which are directly related
with public safety and daily life of people, will be one of main pillars to enhance national competitiveness and
serve as new growth engine in the era of industry 4.0. KARI will strive for the aerospace industry to be next growth
momentum and exert every effort to contribute to ensuring public safety and improving the quality of life.
In this journey, KARI looks forward to your continued interest and support. Thank you
.
Contribution to solid development of the national economy and improving people's lives
through new exploration, technology advancement, development and dissemination in
the field of aerospace science and technology
President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute
Sang-Ryool LEE
Research and
development of aircraft,
satellites, and space
launch vehicle systems
Support for the
establishment of national
aerospace development
policies and distribution of
information on aerospace
technology
Joint utilization of testing
and evaluation facilities,
collaboration with industries,
and industrialization of
technology
R&D cooperation with the
government, private sector,
corporate bodies and other
organizations / Nurturing
professional manpower in
key areas
“
”
KARI will play a leading role in taking
a step forward in a rapidly changing world
of aerospace technology by establishing
sustainable system and improving
global competitiveness
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History / Achievements
Establishment of KARI under
Korea Institute of Machinery
& Materials (KIMM)
Launch of KOMPSAT-1
(Arirang-1)
Launch of COMS
(Cheollian-1)
Launch of KOMPSAT-3A
(Arirang-3A)
Completion of building of
KSLV-II engine propulsion
system testing facilities
KARI designated as national
organization for space
development in Korea
Launch of test launch
vehicle (Nuri TLV)
Success in automatic
transition flight of QTP-UAV
Launch of GEO-KOMPSAT-2A
(Cheollian-2A)
Launch of GEO-KOMPSAT-2B
(Cheollian-2B)
Successful 53 straight hour flight of
stratosphere solar-powered unmanned
Electrical Aerial Vehicle-3 (EAV-3)
Launch of CAS 500-1
The 1st launch of
KSLV-II (Nuri)
Development of Smart UAV
Launch of KOMPSAT-3
(Arirang-3)
Development of dual-use core
components for Korea Utility
Helicopter (Surion)
The 3rd launch of Korea’s
first space launch vehicle
(KSLV-I)
Launch of KOMPSAT-5
(Arirang-5)
Launch of STSAT-3
Development of KC-100
Development of OPV
Development of canard
aircraft
Launch of Korea’s 1st
liquid-propellant rocket
(KSR-III)
Ground-breaking ceremony
for the space center
Launch of STSAT-1
Development of multi-
purpose stratosphere
unmanned airship
Launch of KOMPSAT-2
(Arirang-2)
The first Korean astronaut
Development of medium
aerostat
Completion of NARO Space Center
Ground-breaking ceremony for the
building of the institute
Building Completing Ceremony
Development of experimental
aircraft
Launch of single-stage
sounding rocket (KSR-I)
Development of EXPO
unmanned airship
Incorporation of KARI
Development of twin-engine
composite aircraft
Launch of two-stage
sounding rocket (KSR-II)
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Aerospace R&D, contributing to
national economic development
Over the past three decades, about 6.5 bil ion USD have been invested into aerospace R&D, which had the effect of
generating approximately 7.5 billion USD in production, an added value of 4 billion USD and supporting around 62,000 jobs.
It is estimated that the aerospace sector has contributed a total of 16.7 billion USD to Korea’s GDP.
It can be said that the most of KARI’s R&D budget has been reinvested into the aerospace industry, contributing to the
creation of aerospace ecosystem and its industrialization. Also, developed aerospace technologies are continuously being
transferred to the private sector, which enables the industry to grow in the market. Through close cooperation with more
than 470 organizations, KARI is pursuing technological advancement and industrialization of national aerospace.
By establishing and vitalizing the aerospace industry ecosystem,
Korea’s GDP increased by nearly 16.7 billion USD.
Employment
61,961 workers
Production
USD 7.5 billion
Added Value
USD 4 billion
Outcome of Technology Transfer
Vitalization of Industrial Ecosystem
Since 2001, a total of 344 cases (annual average: 18.1) of technology transfer has been made.
Among the figure, Know-how transfer accounts for 17%.
It is found that annual sales of the private sector grew by approximately 345 thousand USD in average attributable to the technology transfer
and the influence index of technology transfer stands at 20.3% (Result of survey conducted on the technology transferred companies)
KARI’s R&D budget is being reinvested into the aerospace industry, contributing to the vitalization of aerospace industry ecosystem.
External reinvestment before 1999
Approximately 6.4 million USD
External reinvestment since 2010
Approximately 1.26 billion USD
(Unit : case, %)
Technology transfer 283 (82.3%)
Know-how 61 (17.7%)
Total
Companies : 4 million USD
Universities : 2 million USD
Research institutes : 360 thousand USD
Public organizations & others :
13.3 thousand USD
Companies : 1.2 billion USD
Universities : 38 million USD
Research institutes : 13 million USD
Public organizations & others :
10 million USD
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Aerospace technology,
making our lives more convenient and safer
Our life has become much safer and easier with the advancement of aerospace technology. UAVs monitoring disaster and
emergency ensure community's safety and save people's lives, and satellites monitoring weather and climate help us predict
and prepare for the air pollutant such as fine dust. In addition, precise positioning system such as GPS used in navigation is
an indispensable technology in our daily lives. Likewise, aerospace technology is essential to improve the quality of people’s
lives and make our world a safer place for all.
Establishment of geographical
information system
Monitoring ocean pollution and ecosystem
Urban planning
Monitoring forest and crops
Natural disaster management
Emergency rescue
Monitoring atmospheric environment
Acquiring satellite information for the
safety of people
UAVs for disaster response
Satellites monitoring weather and climate
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Aerospace industry as future growth engine
Over the past years, auto, semiconductor, steel, and shipbuilding industries have been key pillars of economic
development in Korea. However, it is time for us to come up with new growth momentum to lead Korea into the
future. Aerospace industry is a knowledge-based industry with high added value, which can provide higher quality
jobs compared to conventional manufacturing industry and create more jobs than ICT industry.
In 2020, it is estimated that global aerospace industry including manufacturing and space application services is
worth about 847 billion USD, surpassing the volume of semiconductor industry approximately 433 billion USD. By
2030, the industry is expected to reach around 1.5 trillion USD. Moreover, with the advent of new service sector such
as UAM and spread of space application service, it is anticipated that the industry will grow enormously beyond
our expectation. Aerospace industry, a next growth momentum of Korea, will greatly contribute to the economic
development, job creation and the improvement of people’s lives in Korea.
Knowledge-based industry with high added value
Contributing to national economic development and job creation
Smart UAV (TR-100)
Length : 5 m
Max. speed : 500 km/h
Max. take-off weight : 1,000 kg
Endurance : 5 hours
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)
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL)
Optionally piloted personal aerial vehicle (OPPAV)
Length : 6.15 m
Cruze 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
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
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-3 (EAV-3)
Wingspan : 20 m
Total Weight : 53 kg
Payload : less than 1 kg
Sevice ceiling : more than 18 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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Aeronautics
KARI successfully developed the Smart UAV, a tilt-rotor UAV(TR-100) capable of vertical takeoff and landing as well as high speed
flight, and solar-powered unmanned Electrical Aerial Vehicle-3 (EAV-3) which flies in the stratosphere for long endurance. In
addition, disaster and public safety UAV has been developed to keep people safe and save lives from disaster and emergency.
Based on such technologies, KARI is currently working on the development of public / industrial UAVs converged with AI and
loT technology, as well as core next-generation technologies to lead the future UAV market. KARI is also moving forward with
developing the Optionally Piloted Personal Air Vehicle (OPPAV), which can bring about innovation in air transportation, and the
low-altitude Unmanned aerial system Traffic Management (UTM) to ensure safe and effective flight of UAV.
Leading the future aviation industry with core next-generation technologies
Disaster and emergency UAVs to save people's lives for public safety
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Satellites
KARI has been developing and operating world-class KOMPSAT series satellites (LEO earth observation satellites), CAS (Compact
Advanced Satellite) and GEO-KOMPSAT series satellites which are capable of monitoring weather, ocean and environment.
KOMPSAT series with various payloads including eletro-optical camera, IR camera, and radar, are being operated for earth
observation, and the development of earth observation satellites with advanced high-resolution is on the way. As for the follow-
on of COMS which laid the groundwork for independent capability of meteorological observation, GEO-KOMPSAT-2A facilitating
faster and more accurate weather forecast and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B monitoring atmospheric pollution and ocean around
Korean peninsula, were developed and are in operation. Moreover, in order to vitalize the satellite industry of Korea, KARI
has transferred its technologies to the private sectors and jointly developed CAS. In addition, based upon KARI’s accumulated
technologies in satellites, public multi-purpose communication satellites to prepare for and respond to a natural disaster and
ultra-precision navigation satellites are planned to be developed.
World-class technology for ultra-precision earth observation satellite
and medium and large-sized GEO satellite
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
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), TBD)
30 cm or less resolution /
optical camera with IR sensor
Compact Advanced Satellite 500-1
(CAS 500-1, 2021)
50 cm resolution / optical camera / 500 kg
class satellite using standard platform
Korea multi-purpose satellite-5
(KOMPSAT-5 (Arirang-5), 2013)
1m resolution / SAR payload
Korea multi-purpose satellite-6
(KOMPSAT-6 (Arirang-6), TBD)
50 cm resolution / SAR payload
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Satellite Operation and Applications
KARI is in charge of the whole cycle of satellite operation from mission planning to
receiving, processing and distribution of satellite images for national satellite asset
KOMPSAT (Arirang) and GEO-KOMPSAT (Cheol ian) series, and promote R&D for
satellite data analysis and applications. In the era of Industry 4.0, satellite images
work as significantly important Big Data in both public and private sectors, which
makes it crucial to develop a platform for integrated and systematic management
and utilization of government satellite data.
In an effort to make effective use of drone and satellite images, KARI is studying
AI applications to detect ground objects such as cars, ships, airplanes, roads and
building from the images.
High-tech satel ite operation with world-class IT technologies
Creating added value through active satellite application by
private sector
Seoul, KOMPSAT-3A IR
Typhoon Maysak, GEO-KOMPSAT 2A
Environmental payload image, GEO-KOMPSAT 2B
Gangwon-do forest fire, KOMPSAT-3
Oceanic payload image, GEO-KOMPSAT 2B
Drone image analysis using AI
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Space Launch Vehicle
Space launch vehicle is an essential means of space transportation for satellite launch and space exploration.
KARI is developing three-stage launch vehicle KSLV-II (Nuri) that can launch a 1.5-ton utility satellite into the low
earth orbit of 600~800km above the earth using its own technology and experience gained from KSLV-I (Naro).
After successfully verifying the performance of 75-ton engine through the test launch vehicle in 2018, the
institute advanced to the maiden flight of Nuri in October 2021.
KARI will continue to improve the performance of Nuri to develop low-cost high-performance launch vehicle,
and is also developing future launch vehicle technologies.
KSLV-II (Nuri) the symbol of independent space carrier rocket technology of Korea
Future launcher R&D to lead launch vehicle development capabilities
Launch of test launch vehicle
1st stage hot firing test
The 1st launch of KSLV-II (Nuri)
Height: 47.2m
Mass: 200t including propellant
Diameter: 3.5m
Payload mass: 1,500kg
Orbit: Low Earth orbit 600~800km
Specification: three-stage rocket with four 75t engines
clustered in the first stage
3rd
stage
2nd
stage
1st
stage
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Naro Space Center
Naro Space Center was established in 2009, making Korea the world’s 13th country to have its own space center.
The Center, dedicated to satellite launches and launch vehicle engine testing, includes high-tech facilities in the area
of 5 million m2 ; from launch pad system to satellite testing building, launch vehicle assembly building, solid motor
building, and control tower.
It also has cutting edge range infrastructure such as tracking radar, telemetry system, launch control system, optical
equipment and meteorological observatory in order to track and control launch vehicle, and operates Palau Tracking
Station to ensure safety of the launch through stable data reception.
Naro Space Center also features Space Science Hall where visitors can learn and experience space science through
various exhibitions and 4D theater on space development.
Outpost of Korean space development
Gateway to space
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Aviation Center
Aviation center, located in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do Province, the southern end of Korea, is the first aviation-
specialized facility in Korea focused on aircraft system integration, ground and flight testing, and performance test for
advanced high-tech aircrafts and national R&D aircrafts.
The center features medium-sized and small-sized test buildings; 700m-long 24m-wide runway; a whirl tower for
balancing test of main rotor and tail rotor; landing system drop test facility, etc..
Based on National Aviation Test Center project, Aviation Center plans to enhance its facilities with 1,200m-long
45m-wide runway to enable instrument flight as well as apron and hangar by 2021. In the second phase, it will
construct facilities and equipment for flight testing and navigation safety to become a national-level flight testing and
research facility for the research and development of aircraft in Korea.
Korea’s first professional aviation facility
Yearly 10,000 users from 30 organizations
SBAS and Satellite Navigation
Satellite navigation system is a system that uses satellites to provide position, navigation, and timing
information, and it is widely used in our daily lives from navigation system for cars and ships to emergency
relief and disaster prediction.
Highly accurate, reliable and secure satellite navigation system is integral in establishing national
competitiveness and preparing for 4th industrial revolution, and already countries like the United States, Russia,
Europe, China, Japan, and India are operating their own satellite navigation system that can offer centimeter-
level navigation services.
KARI is currently developing Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) to improve the GPS accuracy and
plans to provide accurate location data for aircraft navigation from 2023. Furthermore, we aim to launch Korean
Positioning System (KPS) that can provide centimeter-level precise positioning information.
Satellite navigation system, the key to the 4th industrial revolution
and national competitiveness
Highly accurate GPS system, Korean Positioning System (KPS)
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Space Exploration
KARI is in the pursuit of space exploration based on advanced space technologies it has acquired for years, starting
from lunar exploration. We aim to launch Korea’s first lunar orbiter Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) by 2022
and put lunar lander on the surface of the Moon through Korean launch vehicle KSLV-II (Nuri) by 2030. Our future
vision also includes asteroid exploration.
Lunar exploration will contribute not only to the advancement of national space technologies, but also to the
improvement of national prestige.
Lunar exploration to push the boundaries of space
Future of space technology, space exploration
Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO)
Lunar Lander
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International Cooperation
KARI strives to strengthen the international cooperation in the space arena by
expanding its participation in international bodies and dialogue in order to keep
abreast of global trends in space development.
Also, as part of efforts to contribute to the international space community, KARI
has been offering a two-week educational program KARI International Space
Training (KARIST) for space experts in particular from emerging countries since
2010. The main goal of this course is to provide various opportunities for the
young professionals to develop their space capacities and to serve as a space
diplomat to promote international cooperation among participants and with
Korea.
KARI wil continue to strengthen the global partnership with other countries
and international organizations by actively addressing global issues, engaging in
international projects such as space exploration and so on, al of which are key
parts of our policy to facilitate space diplomacy to strengthen Korea’s status in the
international community.
Active participation in international space community
Building on global partnership for sustainable future
KARI International Space Training
The 3rd Korea-France Space Forum
The 35th Space Symposium
Korea-US Bilateral Meeting
Outreach Programs
KARI offers various science educational programs for children, teenagers, university students, and educators.
Our programs include field trip to research facilities, science camp, aerospace competition, middle school free-
semester program, online career mentoring, and teacher training program.
We also service numerous educational contents through online channels such as YouTube(TV KARI).
For college and university students, we support active participation to international internship program and global
exchange and cooperation programs hosted by International Space Education Board (ISEB) based on the agreement
between NASA and KARI.
Science programs for youth and teachers
Global exchange and cooperation programs for college and university students
