South Korea Cancels Launch Contract with Russia, Chooses Europe's Vega-C Rocket for Arirang-6 Satellite

The republic of Korea has opted to cancel the contract with Russia to launch the Korean Arirang 6 (KOMPSAT-6) satellite among ongoing global tensions with the country.

The Korean Multipurpose Satellite 6, known as the Arirang 6, was originally planned to launch on a Russian Angara 1.2 rocket last year from the Plesetek Cosmodrome, but due to sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries as a result of the tragic war in Ukraine, the plan was scrapped and South Korea looked for a new launcher.

Last month, South Korea entered a contract with Arianespace and the European Space Agency to launch the satellite aboard a European Vega-C rocket in Q4 of 2023 from European Launch Area 1, Kourou, French Guiana.

In addition to moving Arirang 6 off the Russian launch schedule, the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT says they are working to find a new launch vehicle and schedule for a next generation midsized obsevation satellite, originally expected to launch aboard Soyuz.

What Is Vega-C, And Why Is It A Good Fit For The Job?

The Vega-C is an updated version of Arianespace’s Vega rocket. Vega-C has 3 solid fuel stages, with a liquid fuelled 4th stage. This new version of the Vega rocket has been optimised for better launch performance and greater launch flexibility.

Vega-C development started in 2014, and ESA conducted its maiden flight in July 2022. The goal of the Vega-C was to meet the changing demand for less pensive launch provider options - thus making it a perfect fit for this scenario.

Unfortunately, in December 2022, Vega-C experienced an anomaly with its solid second stage which resulted in the loss of 2 Airbus satellites. Further information regarding the failure is expected later this month, however, it will likely not affect the launch of Arirang 6.