The South Korean government has overhauled its national space development plan, deciding to shift the core engine technology of the next-generation launch vehicle (KSLV-III) from liquid oxygen-kerosene to a liquid oxygen-methane system. Methane engines are significantly more advantageous for reuse due to lower soot production compared to kerosene and offer the potential for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for fueling on other planets like Mars. This decision is a crucial technological pivot aimed at drastically reducing launch costs to secure competitiveness in the global commercial market, aligning with the reusable technology trends set by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship.
Transition to Methane-Based Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology
