SOKOR TO RAMP UP DEV’T OF SOLID-FUEL SPACE ROCKETS

South Korea will pursue the development of solid fuel space rockets spearheaded by the private sector, expanding its space program from its focus on state-led development of liquid engine rockets, the science ministry said, Chae Yun-hwan reported for Yonhap news agency.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will support companies to develop and launch small-sized space launch vehicles based on solid propellants by 2024 in a move to support the country's growing private space industry.

Up until mid-last year, US guidelines on South Korean missiles had restricted the development of solid-fuel rockets, which are simpler in design and easier to transport. South Korea's space rocket program in recent years has instead focused on more advanced and powerful liquid propellants.

Restrictions on solid fuel space rocket development were lifted in July last year, while the guidelines were completely scrapped last month.

The termination of the guidelines has given a new boost to South Korea's space program and removed remaining restrictions, such as launching projectiles from maritime platforms.

"Based on the rocket development autonomy secured from the end of the missile guidelines, (South Korea) will develop solid-fuel rockets led by the private sector," Science Minister Lim Hye-sook said in a briefing Tuesday.

"Solid-fuel rockets are relatively simpler in structure and infrastructure than those of liquid-fuel rockets," she said. "They can be used in the development of low-cost, short-term space launch vehicles from the private sector."

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