Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Hanwha Aerospace to Develop Propulsion for S. Korea's 2032 Lunar Lander
Hanwha Aerospace has won a big contract to make the engine and other important parts for South Korea's first moon lander, which will launch in 2032.
The company will work with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to build and test these parts.
This is a big step for South Korea's space program, as they plan to send a moon orbiter in 2029 and a lander in 2032.
The technologies they develop could be used for future space missions.
The country is also working to improve its Nuri rocket, which will be used for these missions.
The goal is to have a successful space program that can explore the moon and beyond.
Hanwha Aerospace wins $71.5 million contract to develop propulsion system for South Korea's 2032 lunar lander.
The company will produce, assemble, and test key components, including the engine and attitude control thrusters.
Technologies developed could be applied to future space exploration missions.
Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) plans to launch a lunar communication orbiter in 2029 using the Nuri rocket.
KASA aims to conduct at least one Nuri launch per year through 2032 to improve success rates.
- Who
- Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA)
- What
- Development of propulsion system for South Korea's first lunar lander
- When
- Contract won on Monday, launch planned for 2032
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- To secure independent lunar exploration capabilities and support future space missions
- Contract Value
- $71.5 million (103.3 billion-won)
- Project Duration
- Through 2032
- Launch Year
- 2032
- Key Components
- Engine, attitude control thrusters
- Company Experience
- Over 30 years in spacecraft propulsion
- Orbiter Launch Year
- 2029
- Launch Vehicle
- Nuri rocket
- Nuri Launch Goal
- At least one per year through 2032