Korean Air Begins Research on Airborne Launch Systems Using Large Commercial Aircraft

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Korean Air announced on the 20th that it has recently started a research project titled “Analysis of the Possibility of Airborne Launch Using Large Domestic Civil Aircraft,” commissioned by the Space Office of the Air Force Aerospace Combat Development Group, in collaboration with Seoul National University.

Based on this joint research, Korean Air will develop an airborne launch vehicle using the currently operated Boeing 747-400 aircraft model. The plan includes exploring commercialization methods following assessments of technical levels, key applied technologies, annual operating costs, and modification plans.

Until now, developing airborne launch vehicles was impossible in South Korea due to the Korea-US missile guidelines. However, with the termination of these guidelines in May this year, the development and operation of airborne launch vehicles have become feasible.

This research is attracting attention because developing airborne launch vehicles using aircraft can overcome South Korea’s geographical limitations. Currently, when launching satellites from the Naro Space Center, the trajectory must pass between Japan and Taiwan, allowing launches only to the south. However, using airborne launch vehicles enables launches into various orbits. Additionally, considering launches occur at approximately 12 km altitude, launches can proceed regardless of weather conditions, unlike ground-launched vehicles.

Moreover, costs for constructing and maintaining separate launch sites can be reduced. It is even possible to export satellite launch services to other countries without their own launch pads. LauncherOne, an airborne launch vehicle developed by the US company Virgin Orbit, was successfully launched twice this year in January and June using the Boeing 747-400 model.

Korean Air stated, “To attract the rapidly increasing global demand for small satellite launches, developing airborne launch vehicles that are not affected by weather or geographical conditions is essential. By combining Korean Air’s extensive aircraft operation experience with accumulated expertise in aircraft system integration and the total assembly capabilities of Naroho, we can develop airborne launch vehicles competitive in the global market.”