South Korea launches fifth Nuri rocket, carrying 15 satellites

South Korea carried out the fifth flight of its homegrown Nuri rocket, sending 15 satellites into orbit in the latest step of the country's effort to build an independent space-launch capability.

Among the payloads were five NEONSAT microsatellites, which are intended to form the core of South Korea's first domestically launched microsatellite constellation. The constellation is designed to work together to gather imagery and other data, rather than relying on a single larger satellite.

The Nuri launcher, developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, has now flown five times as Seoul has worked to reduce its dependence on foreign launch providers for government and research satellites. Earlier flights were used to validate the rocket's three-stage design before it began carrying operational payloads.

The latest mission adds to a growing list of satellites placed in orbit by the program, and officials have pointed to the NEONSAT series as evidence that the country can now design, build and launch small satellite networks largely with its own technology.

South Korea has set out plans to expand its space activities in the coming years, including further satellite launches and work on reusable rocket technology, as it seeks a larger role in the global space sector alongside established players.