Naro (KSLV-I) was a space launch vehicle development project implemented according to the National Space Development Plan. Its goal was to secure know-how and experience to develop space launch vehicles independently. Specifically, the main objectives were to design, manufacture, and test the satellite launch vehicle system, secure the technology to put satellites into orbit and carry out the launch operation, and develop and implement the equipment and facilities for satellite launch vehicles.
The Naro (KSLV-I) is a double-stage launch vehicle that consists of a liquid engine in the 1st stage and a solid kick motor in the upper stage to place a 100 kg satellite into low earth orbit. Russia developed the 1st stage, and Korea independently developed the top stage. The design goal was a launch vehicle weighing up to 140 tons, including the propellant, with length of 33 m, diameter of 3 m, and 1st-stage thrust of 170 tons. The satellite orbit was designed for a 300×1,500 km elliptical orbit. The 1st stage consisted of a liquid propellant engine with kerosene as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizing agent. The propellant was supplied to the combustor through a turbopump. The 2nd stage consisted of a solid propellant (hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, HTPB) kick motor.
The Naro succeeded in the third launch on January 30, 2013 after failing the first launch in 2009 and the second launch in 2010.
The development of the Naro has many important implications. It has provided a steppingstone for the development of Korea’s unique launch vehicle through direct experience of the entire process of launch vehicle design, development, and launch. The Naro played a key role in attaining the experience needed for the Korea launch vehicle's independent development in raising the technology level. The project resulted in the construction of a launch station (Naro Space Center) to launch satellites and attainment of technology and experience through the entire process of launch vehicle system design, launch vehicle assembly, and launch operation. The development process of the Naro enabled planning the independent development of the Korea launch vehicle Nuri. Considering the fact that the international environment makes the transfer of launch vehicle engine technology virtually impossible, the preceding research on key element technology such as 30-ton and 75-ton liquid engine technology and large propellant tank needed for the independent development of the launch vehicle was conducted parallel to the Naro's development.
KARI also designed the test apparatus for Korea’s first launch vehicle propulsion engine to ensure early construction. The participation of more than 150 enterprises throughout the Naro's development led to the overall advancement of the industries, academe, and research institutes related to Korea’s launch vehicles. It was significant since it laid the foundation for self-sufficiency to develop the launch vehicle independently. Korea's launch vehicle technology level is judged to have increased from 46% of leading countries before the Naro project to 83% after the project.