[Report] 'Let's Go to Space' Hanwha's Challenge in Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Project

Visit to Hanwha Aerospace Changwon 1 Plant
Parts Manufactured in Advanced Factory Become High-Performance Engines
25 Years of Engine Technology 'Sublimated' into Rockets
Securing High-Efficiency Engine and Reuse Technology in Advance
Likely to Win Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Project

Hanwha has completed preparations to challenge the next-generation launch vehicle (KSLV-Ⅲ) project. The determination to open South Korea's 'New Space' era was palpable on site.

The Nuri rocket, which successfully completed its third launch last May at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam

Hanwha Aerospace is highly likely to win the bid for the ‘Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Development Project Launch Vehicle Overall Lead Production’ promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT. Hanwha Aerospace was the only participant in the bid that was canceled on the 21st. The scientific community expects Hanwha to secure the final contract through a negotiated contract. Once the contract is confirmed, it will be responsible for the heart of the grand plan to go beyond Earth's orbit to the Moon.

This project is expected to become a milestone demonstrating the space capabilities of Korean private companies, as it is a 'New Space' approach led by the private sector rather than a state-led space development.

Hanwha Aerospace employees are maintaining the Nuri rocket engine.

◆ “Preemptive Acquisition of High-Efficiency Engines and Reusability Technology”

The Hanwha Aerospace Changwon Plant 1, visited on the 20th, is the foundation of Korea's aviation and space industry. It handles not only fighter jet engines such as the F-15 and FA-50 but also engine parts, assembly, and maintenance for naval vessels. Hanwha Aerospace has developed rocket engine technology by advancing aircraft engine manufacturing technology, starting with the development of the scientific observation rocket (KSR-Ⅲ) in 1999.

Although details related to Nuriho are not disclosed for security reasons, the production and assembly process of engine parts for Air Force aircraft and Navy vessels alone was enough to inspire confidence in the success of the next-generation launch vehicle.

On the 20th, Hanwha Aerospace employees are servicing a shipboard gas turbine engine at Hanwha Aerospace Changwon Plant 1.

The process, where advanced robots machine and weld parts and verify them with zero tolerance for error, is fully automated and exemplifies a 'smart factory.' In the past, problems arising from manual production of aircraft parts sometimes led to fatal aircraft accidents, but parts produced through unmanned processes form a solid foundation for the safety of aircraft and launch vehicles. Despite various metal processing activities, the work environment was so clean that not a speck of dust was visible. Robots efficiently performed tasks difficult for humans. Numerous tools were all managed by computer to ensure work was done according to design. There was no room for errors or defects. The manufactured parts were loaded onto unmanned vehicles and transported to the next process.

In the engine assembly building, about 20 employees were assembling the ‘F404’ engine installed in the domestically produced light attack aircraft FA-50 and the ‘LM2500’ engine installed in the second ship of the Korean destroyer Jeongjo Daewang class. Hanwha Aerospace successfully produced all 46 Nuriho engines. The gas turbine engine technology accumulated since 1979 through manufacturing various engines for aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels, and launch vehicles was responsible for the Nuriho engines as well.

Experienced professionals with many years of expertise impress partners such as General Electric (GE). A Hanwha Aerospace official explained, “Because we pursue perfection, overseas partners sometimes worry that our work standards are too strict, but our workers apply rigorous standards to prevent mistakes.”

Kim Kyung-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace Changwon Plant 1, said, “With the responsibility and pride of being the ‘heart’ of South Korea’s space project, we will continue to produce highly reliable engines.”

Hanwha, selected as the system integrator for the Nuriho advancement project and having participated in the third launch in 2023, has taken on the challenge of developing next-generation launch vehicle engines that must carry various heavy satellites such as lunar landers and KPS satellites.

Since last year, Hanwha Aerospace has been participating in the development of 100-ton staged combustion engine precursor technology led by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute along with core companies involved in Nuriho engine development. It was also selected as the ‘system integrator for reusable demonstration vehicles’ and plans to secure engine reignition and thrust control technologies for the reuse of next-generation launch vehicles.

On the 20th, Lee Jun-won, Head of the Space Business Division at Hanwha Aerospace, introduced the space business value chain at Hanwha Aerospace Changwon Plant 1.

◆ Challenge to Become a Rival to SpaceX through Continuous Domestic and International Investment in the Space Sector

Hanwha Aerospace is also making concentrated investments to leap from aviation to space. Last year, it established the ‘Space Hub Launch Vehicle Research Center,’ the largest private launch vehicle R&D organization in Korea, in Daejeon, and recently broke ground on the largest domestic final assembly plant in Suncheon, aiming for completion in 2025, to produce follow-up launch vehicles including Nuriho.

Since 2021, it has invested a total of 894 billion KRW domestically and internationally, including in Setrec Eye, Korea’s first satellite company, and OneWeb, which provides space internet services. The group plans to secure more than 1,000 space-related professionals by 2030.

In the future, Hanwha Aerospace will also be responsible for satellite launch demand within the group. Rockets made by Setrec Eye and Hanwha Systems must be launched into space with Hanwha’s power. The long-term goal is to establish a foothold in the launch vehicle business dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Lee Jun-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Space Business Division, emphasized, “Based on liquid rocket engine manufacturing technology and Nuriho system integration experience, we will secure private launch service capabilities and lead the commercialization of launch services by securing a diverse lineup of launch vehicles in the future.”