GOHEUNG, REPUBLIC OF KOREA — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the Republic of Korea (ROK) in marking another milestone in its space development program following the successful fifth launch of the domestically developed Nuri rocket on 7 October 2026 at the Naro Space Center in Goheung. 

The launch successfully deployed five New-space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Safety (NEONSAT) microsatellites, marking the ROK’s first domestically launched microsatellite constellation. The satellites, designed to support national security, Earth observation, and disaster response, successfully established ground communications and transmitted their first images within a day of launch. Second Secretary and Consul Reisha Olavario and Economic Attaché Charmie Fugaban represented Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez and the Philippine Embassy at the launch upon the invitation of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). 

During the event, KASA officials welcomed the Embassy’s participation and expressed appreciation for its sustained engagement with the ROK’s space launch activities since 2021. Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) officials likewise conveyed their positive views on Philippines–ROK cooperation in space research and technology development. Discussions also highlighted the ongoing training of Filipino space engineers with ROK space company Perigee Aerospace.

The engagement comes amid growing bilateral cooperation in space science and technology, particularly through the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and Perigee Aerospace. Ten (10) Filipino engineers are currently undertaking advanced training in the ROK in preparation for the Philippines’ planned liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch in Cagayan in 2027. The initiative builds on bilateral efforts to strengthen indigenous space capabilities, facilitate technology transfer, and promote scientific and industrial cooperation.

The Philippine Embassy congratulates the ROK on this significant achievement and reaffirms its commitment to advancing cooperation in space research, satellite applications, technology development, and capacity-building. As both countries expand their respective space programs, these partnerships offer further opportunities to harness space technology for national development, environmental resilience, maritime safety, and regional prosperity. END