Launch of South Korea’s Micro-Satellite Cluster Demonstrator Delayed After Two Countdown Holds
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
A planned launch of South Korea’s first mass-produced micro earth-observation satellite cluster demonstrator was delayed after two countdown 'holds' at Rocket Lab’s Mahia launch site in New Zealand. The Electron vehicle was preparing to lift off at 09:55 KST (13:45 local) carrying the demonstrator when a hold occurred 5 minutes 43 seconds before liftoff, pausing the countdown for about 8 minutes 55 seconds. The countdown later resumed aiming for a 10:21 KST attempt (near the end of the launch window), but a second hold came 8 minutes 7 seconds before the planned launch. Rocket Lab reviewed the sequence but determined a launch within today’s window was not possible and stood down. Officials say there are multiple backup opportunities in the coming days. The exact reasons for the holds and the revised schedule have not been disclosed; the Korea Aerospace Administration will provide updates when available. The micro-satellite cluster (under 100 kg per satellite) is designed to operate as a constellation to deliver high-frequency, high-resolution monitoring of the Korean Peninsula and nearby waters—capable of imaging the region more than three times daily—to improve rapid disaster response. This flight carries a 'verifier' to check performance prior to planned production launches (five satellites in June next year and another five the following year).
