Korea Aerospace Research Institute

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is the aeronautics and space agency of South Korea. Its main laboratories are located in Daejeon, in the Daedeok Science Town. Current projects include the KSLV launcher. Past projects include the 1999 Arirang-1 satellite. The agency was founded in 1989. Prior to South Korea's entry into the IAE in 1992, it focused primarily on aerospace technology.

Background

South Korea first gained experience with missiles provided by the United States to counter North Korea.

KARI began in 1990 to develop its own rockets. 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.

KARI had a 2003 budget of 156.4 billion won ($150 million USD).

Current launch capability development

South Korea decided to speed up development by joining with Russia, and cooperation began in 2004. KARI is now developing the Korea Space Launch Vehicle(also known as Naro), whose first-stage is based on the Angara rocket. First launch of the KSLV is expected in 2009. Russia is also helping to build the Korea Space Center, a spaceport in Goheung County.

A deal was also struck on October 24, 2005 to send a Korean into space aboard a Russian Soyuz spaceflight. Through the Korean Astronaut Program, Russia has trained two South Koreans and has sent one (Yi So-yeon) to the...
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