Hanwha Aerospace begins final assembly of reusable rocket technology demonstrator, targets 2028 flight test

• Hanwha AeroSpace began final assembly of a reusable launch-vehicle technology demonstrator under a Korea Aerospace Research Institute-led program.
• Project targets flight validation by 2028 to secure Falcon 9-class core reusability capabilities, aiming to improve launch-cost competitiveness.
• Demonstrator measures 12.2 meters tall with a 1.5-meter diameter, using a throttleable staged-combustion turbopump engine.
• Planned 2028 test calls for vertical takeoff to 500 meters within about 90 seconds, followed by a controlled vertical landing.
• Program is positioned as a stepping stone toward first-stage reuse for Korea’s next-generation launcher planned for the mid-2030s.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Hanwha AeroSpace Co. Ltd. published the original content used to generate this news brief on September 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.