Exclusive: South Korea Unveils 35-Ton Methane Engine for Reusable Space Launch System

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South Korea Launches Methane-Powered Space Launch Vehicle Initiative

South Korea has officially begun developing a methane-based space launch vehicle engine with a 35-ton thrust, marking a significant step in the country’s space technology ambitions. This initiative represents the first time the nation has pursued methane-powered launch vehicle technology for commercial use. Methane is considered more suitable for reusable launch vehicles compared to kerosene, which is currently the primary fuel used. It offers higher economic efficiency and environmental benefits, making it an attractive option for future space missions.

Following the successful localization of kerosene-based launch vehicle technology with the Nuri rocket's 2023 launch, the South Korean government is now focused on securing independent methane-based launch vehicle technology. This move aims to enhance the country’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving space industry and reduce reliance on foreign technologies.

Consortium Selected for Methane Engine Development

A consortium led by Hyundai Rotem and Korean Air has been chosen as the preferred negotiator for a 35-ton methane engine technology development project under the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) within the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The formal agreement is expected to be signed in November, initiating full-scale research and development (R&D). The project, funded at approximately 49.1 billion Korean won, will run until 2030.

The project is titled “Methane Engine Technology for Ground-Based Reusable Space Launch Vehicles.” Its main objective is to develop a methane engine for reusable launch vehicles that can be used multiple times, unlike traditional single-use “expendable” vehicles. The rise of reusable launch vehicles, pioneered by companies like SpaceX, has reshaped the global space market. Securing reusable technology is seen as essential for the next era of the space economy.

Key Technologies and Challenges

The R&D goal includes developing methane engine technology and reusable systems capable of reaching 500 km above Earth. Key technologies involved include a “turbo pump” that compresses liquid methane fuel and oxidizer at high pressure and speed, and a “combustor” that generates thrust. Liquid methane provides about 10% more thrust per unit volume than kerosene and produces carbon dioxide, water, and minimal soot during combustion, making it more reusable-friendly than kerosene.

However, methane’s lower fuel density requires larger tanks, and its cryogenic storage demands high technical complexity. Currently, domestic methane engine technology is limited to 3-ton thrust. Despite these challenges, methane engines have become mainstream in the global space market. SpaceX’s Starship, the largest and most powerful launch vehicle under development, uses Raptor 2 engines fueled by methane. Each Raptor 2 engine generates 230-ton thrust, with 33 engines combined to produce 7,600 tons of thrust. Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Jeff Bezos’ methane-based reusable launch vehicle, and projects by China and the EU further highlight the trend.

Concerns Over Leadership and Coordination

The space industry has expressed concerns that the methane engine development project is led by the ADD—a defense research institute—rather than the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), established in May last year as the central space policy authority. Critics argue that KASA has ceded leadership in methane engine technology, a next-generation space sector, to the ADD and DAPA.

KASA had included a similar 35-ton methane engine core technology project in its 2024 budget, but it faced criticism for overlapping with the ADD’s initiative. Additionally, KASA’s plan to switch its next-generation launch vehicle’s engine from kerosene to an 80-ton methane engine also faced redundancy issues. The KASA project was reportedly put on hold.

A space industry source noted, “The Nuri rocket’s engine was initially developed at 30 tons before scaling to the current 75-ton model. If methane engine and reusable launch vehicle development leadership shifts to the ADD and DAPA instead of KASA, it could set a precedent.” KASA plans to collaborate with the ADD on small- and medium-sized methane engine development. A KASA official stated, “We will form a consultative body with the DAPA to develop and share technologies and specifications.”

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