South Korean launch services company INNOSPACE has signed a memorandum of understanding with KAIROSPACE Co., Ltd. to pursue cooperation in launch services and satellite separation systems.
The companies said the agreement is intended to strengthen launch vehicle–satellite interface expertise and support a wider range of satellite integration requirements, including customer-specific mission needs and multi-satellite deployments.
Satellite separation systems connect satellites to launch vehicles and support deployment during missions. INNOSPACE said interface optimisation needs to consider launch vehicle structural, vibration and load conditions, as well as satellite size, mass and separation requirements, as mission parameters such as orbit, deployment sequence and integration standards become more varied.
Under the MOU, the companies plan to explore cooperation across satellite separation systems, deployers, payload integration testing and mission support. INNOSPACE said the intent is to develop an integrated launch services model linking launch vehicles, payload integration and separation systems, and to pursue joint business opportunities in Korea and international markets.
The companies also flagged technical reviews based on launch environments and verification data to support reliability, and said they would consider work related to interface standards for customer missions and joint marketing activities.
“This MOU is meaningful in that it expands the potential for cooperation among Korean private space companies by connecting our expertise in satellite development and payload integration solutions with INNOSPACE’s launch service capabilities,” said Chris Gyungwoo Sheen, CEO of KAIROSPACE. “Based on the technologies and experience of both companies, we will work to develop cooperation models applicable to actual launch missions and create new business opportunities in the Korean and global space markets.”
“The competitiveness of small satellite launch services comes not only from launch vehicle performance, but also from integrated launch service capabilities that reliably support the entire process of customer satellite integration and separation,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “Starting with our partnership with KAIROSPACE, INNOSPACE will continue to expand strategic cooperation with space companies to enhance the reliability and flexibility of our launch services, while strengthening our business foundation as a competitive integrated launch service partner in the global market.”
