KAI inks deal with SpaceX to launch mid-sized satellites in 2025

Falcon 9 rocket will be set to deploy next-generation mid-sized satellites No. 2 and No. 4

Mi-Sun Kang 1

2023-12-01 13:13:32 misunny@hankyung.com

Aerospace & Defense

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) announced on Friday that it has signed a deal with the US space firm SpaceX to launch South Korea's next-generation mid-sized satellite, No. 2, in 2025.

This marks the second collaboration between the two companies, following their 2021 contract for the launch of the next-generation mid-sized satellite No. 4.

The South Korean government's program aims to develop a standardized 500kg-class satellite platform for launching two medium satellites.

Under the new agreement, KAI plans to launch both satellites No. 2 and No. 4 into orbit using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in 2025. These satellites are primarily intended for public missions, such as national resource management.

The launch of satellite No. 2 was initially delayed due to unforeseen external factors, including the situation in Ukraine.

To ensure the mission proceeds on schedule, KAI collaborated closely with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, securing the latest launch services agreement with SpaceX.

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com