Hanwha Aerospace is set to secure reusable launch vehicle technology. Building on the comprehensive launch system capabilities developed through the Nuri rocket, the company aims to enhance cost competitiveness and expand its business into the space transportation service market.
On September 30, Hanwha Aerospace announced that it has begun assembling a demonstration model for reusable launch vehicle technology. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is overseeing the entire research project, while Hanwha Aerospace is responsible for system integration.
The company plans to complete technology verification by 2028 and aims to acquire key reusable launch vehicle technologies similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The reusable technology demonstration model will be 12.2 meters tall and 1.5 meters in diameter, equipped with a single engine featuring a multi-stage combustion cycle turbo pump that allows for thrust adjustment. The goal for the flight test scheduled for 2028 is to achieve vertical takeoff, ascend to an altitude of 500 meters within approximately 90 seconds, and land vertically at the designated landing site.
Industry experts anticipate that reusing just the first stage of the launch vehicle could significantly reduce launch costs compared to current methods. Hanwha Aerospace plans to validate core technologies such as engine thrust control, attitude control, and guidance control while developing the reusable technology demonstration model under KARI's supervision.
This initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for the reuse of the first stage of next-generation launch vehicles, projected for the mid-2030s, and accelerate entry into the global space transportation service market by securing cost competitiveness.
Hanwha Aerospace has already established a foundation for the domestic private launch vehicle business through the Nuri rocket. Since being selected as the system integration company for the Nuri enhancement project in 2022, it has been responsible for the production and launch operations of the Nuri rocket. The enhancement project aims to transfer launch vehicle technology to private companies through repeated launches and to build commercial launch capabilities.
In August, Hanwha Group became the second-largest shareholder of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) by acquiring additional shares. Analysts suggest that Hanwha is broadening its scope by integrating KAI's aerospace capabilities into its existing defense and launch vehicle businesses, laying the groundwork to become a comprehensive aerospace company. This expansion is expected to enable the construction of a business portfolio that encompasses the entire space industry by adding aircraft and satellite sectors to its existing launch vehicle manufacturing, engines, and defense electronics.
A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "Securing reusable launch vehicle technology is essential for our growth as the 'Korean version of SpaceX.' We aim to successfully carry out this research to strengthen South Korea's space transportation capabilities and contribute to the growth of the private space industry ecosystem."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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