Space Launch Vehicle Test Infrastructure Established in Goheung... Opening of the Space Industry Era

Completion of Innospace Comprehensive Test Site on May 22
25.3 Billion Won Invested in Privately-Led Launch Vehicle Facility
Anticipation for Leadership in Commercial Space Industry

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is cutting the ribbon with key attendees at the 'Innospace Goheung Comprehensive Test Site Completion Ceremony' held on the 22nd in Podu-myeon, Goheung. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On May 22, in Podu-myeon, Goheung-eup, Jeollanam-do announced the official opening of the era of the private space industry, as Innospace Co., Ltd., the nation’s first private space launch vehicle company, held the completion ceremony for the Goheung Comprehensive Test Site.

The ceremony was attended by Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok, National Assembly member Moon Geumjoo, Goheung County Governor Gong Youngmin, Innospace CEO Kim Sujong, Aerospace Administration Director Park Jaesung, and about 150 executives and staff members from space industry-related organizations and companies, who gathered to celebrate Innospace's achievements in paving the way for the advancement of the private space industry.

The Goheung Comprehensive Test Site is a privately-led launch vehicle testing infrastructure built on a 33,348-square-meter site, with a total investment of 25.3 billion won. It includes propulsion engine combustion test facilities for 25-ton-class hybrid and 3-ton-class liquid (methane) engines, launch pad functionality, as well as stage assembly and stage certification test facilities.

With the completion of the comprehensive test site, Innospace is expected to become a leading player in the private space industry by conducting a variety of launch tests for future commercial launches.

In March 2023, Innospace successfully carried out a test launch of its independently developed "Hanbit-TLV" at the Brazil Space Center, and is planning the first commercial launch of the "Hanbit-Nano," carrying five satellites, in the second half of this year.

After signing an agreement with Jeollanam-do in March last year to move into the national industrial complex, Innospace also plans to establish manufacturing facilities for the production and research and development of small launch vehicles once the site for the Goheung Space Launch Vehicle National Industrial Complex is completed.

Governor Kim stated, "Innospace is a company that has proven the new possibilities of Korea's private space industry through challenge and innovation. I am confident that it will grow into a world-class private space company with not only technological independence but also commercial viability and sustainability. Jeollanam-do will provide full support so that Innospace can become a 'K-Space Champion' and join the ranks of global companies."

Jeollanam-do and Goheung County are actively working with the Aerospace Administration to establish a space launch vehicle industry cluster centered on Goheung. In particular, they plan to invest 1.6 trillion won by 2031 to build this cluster. In addition to establishing private launch site infrastructure, they are accelerating the creation of related bases such as the Space Launch Vehicle National Industrial Complex, Technology Commercialization Center, Complex Space Center, and Space Launch Vehicle Science Complex.

They are also doing their utmost to attract a second space center to Goheung, equipped with a variety of launch site infrastructure for next-generation and reusable launch vehicles.