South Korea launches project to develop homegrown space rovers

South Korea's Ministry of Industry has announced the launch of a project to develop domestically produced space rovers, responding to the intensifying global race in lunar exploration.

The government has partnered with 13 institutions and companies, including Hyundai Motor Co., to develop approximately 10 critical rover components, with a total budget of 23 billion won ($16.6 million), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The project aims to create motors, robotic arms, and other vital rover components that can withstand extreme conditions such as low temperatures and high radiation.

"South Korea has great potential in the space industry, based on its industrial competitiveness in future cars, robotics, and ICT industries," said Lee Seung-ryeol, Deputy Minister for Industry Policy, in a statement. 

"The ministry will continue efforts to develop homegrown technologies for key materials, parts, and equipment in areas including space, aviation, and defence," Lee added.

Earlier, South Korea successfully launched its first commercial-grade satellite by using a domestically developed space rocket, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of becoming a major player in the growing space race with its Asian neighbours. 

The Nuri rocket, which lifted off from the Naro Space Center located on South Korea's southern coast, is part of the nation's broader ambitions to advance its space capabilities.

President Yoon Suk-yeol hailed the launch as a crucial achievement, placing South Korea among the top seven nations capable of deploying domestically produced satellites with their own launch vehicles.

“This will significantly alter the global perception of South Korea's space science and technology, as well as its industrial prowess,” Yoon remarked.

The KSLV-II Nuri rocket, a three-stage vehicle, is South Korea’s first space launch vehicle entirely built with domestic technology. The country plans to conduct three more flights by 2027. 

The successful launch is pivotal to South Korea’s ambitious space programme, with goals to advance in areas such as 6G networks, satellite surveillance, and even lunar exploration.

By Naila Huseynova