Major Space Development Companies Join Hands with Startups... Hanwha Aero-Ferridge MOU

Cooperation for Lunar Lander Rocket and Reusable Rocket Development

Hanwha Aerospace, a leading domestic rocket company, and space launch vehicle startup Perigee Aerospace have joined hands to secure future space transportation technology.

Lee Jun-won, Head of Hanwha Aero's Space Business Division, and Shin Dong-yoon, CEO of Ferridge Aero, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a business cooperation MOU. Photo by Hanwha Aero

On the 26th, the two companies held a strategic partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at Perigee Rocket Development Complex (RDC) in Okcheon, Chungbuk, attended by Lee Jun-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s space business division, Shin Dong-yoon, CEO of Perigee, and other officials.

Through this agreement, the two companies will share technical and business capabilities in the development of future space transportation technologies and related business fields. The Hanwha Aerospace delegation toured the development status and research facilities of Perigee’s space launch vehicle 'Blue Whale 1 (BW1)' and discussed future cooperation directions.

Since 2022, Hanwha Aerospace has been acting as the system integrator for the national core launch vehicle 'Nuriho' in collaboration with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and last year was selected as the private system integrator for the 'next-generation launch vehicle' that will launch a lunar lander in 2032.

Perigee is developing a liquid methane engine-based space launch vehicle, and its self-developed 3-ton class turbo pump-type liquid methane engine has been recognized as a national strategic technology. Recently, it also succeeded in vertical takeoff and landing tests for launch vehicle reuse.

Lee Jun-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s space business division, said, "Based on the technological capabilities possessed by both companies, we will be able to contribute to the growth of the domestic space industry."

Shin Dong-yoon, CEO of Perigee, emphasized, "This cooperation will lead to Perigee’s rapid growth and serve as an important opportunity to expand its position as a next-generation private space launch vehicle company."