Korea’s Space Agency Requests Revision of Plan to Make Next-Gen Rockets Reusable

Korea’s space agency has asked to revise its plans for developing next-generation rockets. The agency wants to make these rockets reusable to reduce costs and improve efficiency in space travel. Currently, the plan involves designing rockets that can be used only once, but officials believe reusability could make the rockets more affordable and effective in the long run.

The space agency, known as the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), said that changing the plan would allow them to keep up with advancements made by other countries in rocket technology. Many space agencies, like NASA and SpaceX, have already started working on reusable rockets, which can be used for multiple launches, saving a lot of money and resources.

KARI plans to redesign the next-generation rocket by adding features that would allow it to land back safely after launch. This would make the rocket ready for reuse in future missions. The revised plan aims to create a system that can recover parts of the rocket, such as the booster, and then refurbish them for further use.

Officials from KARI explained that modifying the rockets to be reusable will take time and careful planning. They need to solve several technical challenges, such as designing a rocket that can withstand multiple launches and landings. Despite the challenges, they believe that the long-term benefits will be significant.

The decision to revise the rocket plan came after discussions with experts and other space agencies. KARI acknowledged that reusability could increase the rocket’s lifespan and reduce the overall cost of space missions. The agency hopes this change will also help Korea compete more effectively in the global space industry.

KARI is already working on the first version of the next-gen rocket and plans to launch it in the coming years. However, the new plan for making it reusable may delay the project’s timeline. Still, the agency is confident that the extra time will result in a more cost-effective and sustainable rocket system.

In the future, KARI aims to make space travel more accessible and efficient by developing rockets that can be reused, much like how airplanes are used for multiple flights. This move shows Korea’s growing ambition in the global space race.