Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said on the 31st that it released a "Guide to the Use of Naro Space Center by Private Companies," which organizes procedures to allow private companies to conduct launch vehicle tests or launches using the Naro Space Center.
The guide was prepared with the aim of opening the Naro Space Center's facilities, equipment, and services in a reasonable and transparent manner by reflecting various opinions and on-site needs of private companies. KARI plans to support private companies so they can prepare and operate launch campaigns in a safe and predictable environment, thereby helping strengthen the foundation and ensure the sustained growth of the domestic private space industry.
The guide includes major facilities, equipment, and services available for private use, and presents the technical requirements and usage procedures for each. In particular, even before the dedicated private launch site is completed in 2027, it allows the use of berthing facilities or idle construction sites within the Naro Space Center as temporary launch locations.
It also clarified a prior consultation process so corporations can review launch feasibility in advance, and said it will continue to incorporate private-sector feedback to supplement the detailed standards and consultation items needed during actual use.
According to the guide, the Naro Space Center usage process consists of four stages: prior consultation, review and approval, launch operations, and post-launch measures. Private companies first undergo prior consultation and technical review with KARI, then confirm suitability through a safety review. After receiving approval to use the site, corporations can officially conduct launch activities using the Naro Space Center once they meet conditions such as paying usage fees and obtaining insurance and sign a contract.
Lee Sang-cheol, president of KARI, said, "The creation of this guide is a meaningful first step in sharing the space center asset accumulated by the public with the private sector," adding, "We will actively support this so that the domestic private launch vehicle industry ecosystem can grow in a systematic manner."