Non-Exclusive Standard License Contract Signed with KARI for 24 Billion KRW Technology Fee Until 2032
The domestically developed space launch vehicle "Nuriho" will have its development technology transferred to Hanwha Aerospace on July 25. This is a non-exclusive contract, valued at 24 billion KRW, that grants Hanwha Aerospace a standard license to manufacture and launch Nuriho until 2032. As the first full-cycle space launch vehicle technology transfer to the private sector, this is expected to lay the foundation for fostering a private-led space industry (New Space) ecosystem until the next-generation launch vehicle is developed.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) announced on this day that it had signed a contract to transfer the development technology of the Korean launch vehicle Nuriho to Hanwha Aerospace.
Nuriho is a space launch vehicle developed over 13 years, from 2010 to 2023, under the leadership of KARI, with the participation of over 300 private companies. Hanwha Aerospace is currently participating as the prime contractor for the Nuriho Advancement Project, which aims to transfer technology and know-how to the private sector through repeated launches of Nuriho from the third to the sixth missions. This technology transfer is part of that project. According to KARI, the list of transferred technologies, determined through mutual agreement, includes all full-cycle launch vehicle development technologies such as design, manufacturing, and launch operations, and the related technical documents alone number 16,050, indicating the vast scope of the transfer.
However, technologies unrelated to the manufacture of Nuriho, such as the Nuriho launch pad, propulsion and engine test facility operations and testing technologies, and proprietary technologies of participating companies, are excluded from the transfer. Although about 2 trillion KRW of national funds were invested in the development of Nuriho, the technology transfer fee was calculated based on the R&D expenses directly spent on the technologies subject to transfer.
To verify the value of the technology, an official valuation was conducted by a technology evaluation agency designated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Based on this, both parties negotiated and agreed on a total technology fee of 24 billion KRW. KARI stated that, during this process, the opinions and consent of 306 current and former KARI researchers were collected and reflected.
Through this contract, Hanwha Aerospace has secured a standard license to directly manufacture and launch Nuriho until 2032. KARI will retain the intellectual property rights related to the technology, and the non-exclusive nature of the contract allows other companies to be granted standard licenses as well. The license period has been set until 2032, which coincides with the expected completion of the next-generation launch vehicle, for which Hanwha Aerospace is also serving as a prime contractor.
KARI stated that, in the process of jointly conducting Nuriho launches with Hanwha Aerospace, it will systematically transfer the necessary technologies and accumulated experience required for Nuriho manufacturing, and will do its utmost to ensure smooth technology transfer through training, seminars, and other activities. Hanwha Aerospace announced plans to use this technology transfer as a foundation to establish a private-led space industry ecosystem and to build a value chain connecting "space transportation services, satellite systems, and satellite services."
The Korea Aerospace Administration evaluated that this private sector transfer is significant because it not only supports the continuous advancement of space launch vehicle technology but also actively strengthens the space capabilities of private companies.
Yoon Youngbin, Commissioner of the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated, "We will continue to provide institutional and financial support to ensure close cooperation between KARI and private companies, and we will actively support the growth of Korea's space industry to a world-class level."
Son Jaeil, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said, "We are grateful for the technological expertise and continuous development efforts that KARI has accumulated over the years. Based on this technology transfer, we will continue to enhance the technological and cost competitiveness of Nuriho and lay the groundwork for commercial launch services."
Lee Sangcheol, President of KARI, stated, "The technology transfer of Nuriho marks a watershed moment, as public achievements are expanded to the private sector, and it will serve as a cornerstone for strengthening the capabilities of the domestic launch vehicle industry ecosystem. We will make every effort to ensure the successful transfer of Nuriho technology, while also doing our utmost to prepare for the fourth launch of Nuriho scheduled for the second half of this year."
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