South Korean satellite launch service company INNOSPACE has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saturn Satellite Networks to jointly develop next-generation satellites, commercialise complementary products and services, and explore strategic investment opportunities, including the potential establishment of a joint venture to expand into the US launch services market.
Through this partnership, Florida-headquartered Saturn will develop, with the support of INNOSPACE, a next-generation low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, the Caelsat, optimised for INNOSPACE’s HANBIT-Mini launch vehicle.
The Caelsat satellite is designed for over ten years of operation in LEO and can provide a stable power supply of over 1000W to onboard payloads. To reduce launch costs, the Caelsat will feature an integrated deployment mechanism capable of efficiently accommodating multiple satellites within a single launch vehicle fairing.
The development of the Caelsat satellite will be led by Space Systems Korea, Saturn’s South Korean affiliate. Launch services for the satellite constellation projects jointly pursued by both companies will primarily be provided by INNOSPACE.
The Skycel project, which focuses on building a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network, is the initial use case for this satellite. 5G Non-terrestrial network is a key satellite communication technology for the future mobility era, offering reliable connectivity even in remote areas such as deserts, oceans, and mountainous regions, as well as during disaster scenarios.
The project involves 120 low Earth orbit satellites, with a minimum of eight launches required based on the HABIT-Mini standard. These launches will be carried out using INNOSPACE’s launch services.
As part of the joint vision, INNOSPACE and Saturn plan to establish a joint venture to advance into the US space launch services market. Leveraging each other’s technologies and infrastructure, the two companies will also explore strategic investment collaborations aimed at long-term business growth.
This initiative is expected to broaden launch service offerings to US customers and lay the groundwork for further expansion in the global space industry.
“This partnership with INNOSPACE enables Saturn and its Korean affiliate, Space Systems Korea, to offer an integrated satellite platform and launch solution which should achieve the lowest cost point for any customer that is looking to develop their own commercial and government LEO satellite constellations”, said Saturn Chairman Tom Choi. “INNOSPACE’s ability to launch from virtually any location, subject to export approvals, provides additional flexibility and attractiveness to our joint offering.”
“We strongly believe US customers will be excited to see a new launch entrant to the marketplace that combines extreme technical competence, reliability, and affordability. We look forward to building a bright future with INNOSPACE,” he added.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in building a joint value chain that spans from satellite and launch vehicle development to launch and satellite services,” said INNOSPACE CEO Soojong Kim. “By combining INNOSPACE’s space launch technologies with Saturn’s expertise in satellite development and operations, we aim to accelerate global market penetration in the US and strengthen our competitiveness in the commercial space industry through close partnership.”
