Signed LOI with Maritime Launch Services
Reviewing North American Operations for 'Hanbit' Launch Vehicle
Innospace, a South Korean private space launch vehicle company, is set to secure a North American launch hub through collaboration with a Canadian launch site operator. By expanding its launch network to North America, following Brazil, Australia, and Europe, the company aims to strengthen its ability to respond to the global small satellite launch market.
On March 4, Innospace announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) for North American launch cooperation with Maritime Launch Services (MLS), a space launch service company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
MLS operates the Nova Scotia Spaceport, a commercial orbital launch site located in Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada. The purpose of this LOI is to establish a framework for collaboration to jointly review the North American operational feasibility of Innospace’s small satellite launch vehicle, 'Hanbit (HANBIT),' from technical, regulatory, and commercial perspectives.
Reviewing North American Launch Infrastructure...Expanding the Global Launch Network
Innospace has been working to build a global launch network by securing launch hubs in Brazil, Australia, Portugal, and other locations. Through this cooperation, the company will now review North American launch infrastructure as well, thereby expanding its foundation to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches.
Stephen Matier, CEO of MLS, stated, "The Nova Scotia Spaceport is a commercial launch site equipped with a permit-based launch infrastructure and multiple launch pad capabilities. Leveraging its strategic location on the East Coast of North America, it will support Innospace’s launch program."
Soojong Kim, CEO of Innospace, commented, "North America is a key market where global demand for small satellite launches is concentrated. By expanding our North American launch hub, we will enhance our competitiveness in the global commercial launch service sector."
Meanwhile, the global small satellite market is rapidly growing, driven by increasing demand for communications, earth observation, and data services. Both companies agreed that diversifying the geographic areas of launch infrastructure is a crucial factor in responding to satellite launch demand and securing competitiveness in commercial launches, and they have decided to pursue cooperation accordingly.
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