Hanwha Aerospace Selected as Preferred Negotiation Partner for Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project

Securing Opportunities for Technology Transfer, Facility Construction, and Demonstration Related to Space Launch Vehicles

A large launch vehicle being developed to meet national space development demands following the Korean launch vehicle (Nuriho). Photo by Hanwha Aerospace

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 10th that it has been selected as the preferred negotiation candidate for the 'Korean Launch Vehicle (Nuriho) Advancement Project Launch Vehicle Overall Management and Production Project.'

The 'Nuriho Advancement Project' is a project aimed at supporting and nurturing private system integration companies through repeated launches and technology transfer of Nuriho, thereby strengthening private-led space development commonly referred to as 'New Space' and creating a domestic launch vehicle business ecosystem. The bid announcement was received from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in July.

The company finally selected as the system integrator will work with KARI to produce the third Nuriho and conduct four repeated launches by 2027. Through this, they will receive comprehensive launch vehicle technology transfer from design to production, assembly, and launch operation, securing system integration capabilities and demonstration opportunities.

Hanwha Aerospace, selected as the preferred negotiation candidate, has participated in the development of core systems such as the 75-ton and 7-ton engines known as the 'heart of Nuriho,' propulsion system supply units, and attitude control systems, as well as the establishment of major test facilities at the Naro Space Center.

By securing system integration capabilities through this project, Hanwha Aerospace will become the only domestic private space company capable of providing space launch services in the future.

Hanwha Aerospace has accumulated various technologies and know-how related to launch vehicles by participating in numerous government-led space development projects such as the 'Nuriho Development Project,' the 'Space Pioneer Project,' and the 'Small Launch Vehicle Development Project.'

Earlier this year, it successfully completed the system concept design of a small launch vehicle jointly with KARI and is also participating in the development of the 'Launch Vehicle Integrated Avionics' (launch vehicle electronic equipment and systems), which serves as the brain of the launch vehicle.

In the future, Hanwha Aerospace plans to participate in the next-generation launch vehicle development project[1], developing commercial large-class launch vehicles with the government while continuously investing in R&D to develop launch vehicles competitive in the global market.

A Hanwha Aerospace official evaluated, "We have meticulously prepared for over a year by deploying a dedicated organization and personnel for the Nuriho advancement project. Our track record of over 20 years in independent launch vehicle development, the system integration capabilities secured as the nation's top defense group, a firm commitment to space industrialization, and a clear proposal of space business vision and investment strategy seem to have led to this good result."

Meanwhile, Hanwha Group has been focusing on space business, including establishing Space Hub, a space business council within the group, early last year. 'Hanwha Corporation' possesses capabilities in solid-fuel launch vehicles and satellite propulsion systems, while 'Hanwha Systems' and 'Satrec Initiative' provide satellite development and satellite services such as communication and reconnaissance.