📌 Establishment & Purpose

• Founded on October 10, 1989 (originally as an aerospace research institute) in Daejeon’s Daedeok Science Town. 
• The institute’s mission is “contributing to the solid development of the national economy and enhancement of people’s lives through aerospace science and technology” by conducting research into aircraft, satellites, and launch‑vehicle systems.  

🏆 Milestones & Key Accomplishments

• Early 1990’s: Developed sounding rockets KSR‑I (1993) and KSR‑II, demonstrating domestic rocket‑technology capability. 
• 1999: Launched KOMPSAT‑1 (also known as “Arirang‑1”), South Korea’s first Earth‑observation satellite.  
• 2009: Successfully launched the country’s first space‑launch vehicle, KSLV‑1 (also called Naro‑1).  
• 2010: Launched COMS (Communication, Ocean & Meteorological Satellite) in June, advancing communications and meteorology capabilities.  
• 2014: Designated as a national space‑development agency, reinforcing its role in South Korea’s space program.  
• Ongoing: Developing next‑generation launch vehicle (KSLV‑II) & mul­ti‑purpose satellite programs, and preparing lunar exploration initiatives.  

📡 Additional Highlights

• Hosts the Naro Space Center in Goheung, with launch pad and tracking‑station infrastructure.  
• Manages satellite systems (remote‑sensing, communication, meteorological) and upstream aerospace technologies (rockets, propulsion, aircraft).  
• Engages with industry, academia and international partners to transfer technology and build aerospace capability across South Korea.  

✅ In summary

KARI has evolved from a research‑focused institute into a leading agency in South Korea’s space and aeronautics sector. With a solid launch‑vehicle heritage, satellite achievements, and a growing role in lunar exploration, KARI stands at the core of Korea’s ambitions in space.

Smallsats launched by Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)

Smallsat	Mission	Customer	Country	Purpose
NeonSat-6 (New-space Earth Observation Satellite 6)LEO	NEONSAT-2 to -6 & Others	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Earth Observation
NeonSat-5 (New-space Earth Observation Satellite 5)LEO	NEONSAT-2 to -6 & Others	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Earth Observation
NeonSat-4 (New-space Earth Observation Satellite 4)LEO	NEONSAT-2 to -6 & Others	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Earth Observation
NeonSat-3 (New-space Earth Observation Satellite 3)LEO	NEONSAT-2 to -6 & Others	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Earth Observation
NeonSat-2 (New-space Earth Observation Satellite 2)LEO	NEONSAT-2 to -6 & Others	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Earth Observation
KPLO (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter/Danuri)LEO	KPLO	Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)		Space Exploration

Rideshare missions by Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)