Commercial Space
Hanwha Aerospace Acquires Full Rights to South Korea Nuri Rocket Technology
Hanwha Aerospace gains full lifecycle control of South Korea’s Nuri rocket, advancing private sector leadership in the national space launch system.
Hanwha Aerospace Takes Over Nuri Rocket Technology in Private Space Push
South Korea’s space ambitions took a historic turn with Hanwha Aerospace’s acquisition of the full lifecycle technology of the Nuri rocket, marking the first time a private Korean company gained complete control over a national space launch system. This transfer signifies a broader shift in the global aerospace industry, where public-private partnerships are becoming the norm, and private firms are stepping into roles traditionally held by government agencies.
The Nuri rocket, officially known as the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-II (KSLV-II), is South Korea’s first entirely homegrown space launch vehicle. Developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in collaboration with over 300 private companies, Nuri represents more than a decade of technological advancement and strategic investment by the South Korean government. With this transfer, Hanwha Aerospace is poised to lead the next chapter of Korea’s space journey, potentially positioning itself as a regional competitor in the growing commercial space launch market.
This move not only underscores the maturation of South Korea’s aerospace sector but also reflects the increasing importance of commercial viability, innovation, and international competitiveness in space exploration. As Hanwha Aerospace takes the helm, the stakes are high for both the company and the country’s long-term space strategy.
Background: The Nuri Rocket Program
The Nuri rocket project began in 2010 with the goal of establishing South Korea as a nation capable of independently launching satellites into orbit. The project culminated in a successful launch in June 2022, making South Korea the seventh country globally to achieve this milestone. The program was spearheaded by KARI and supported by a network of more than 300 domestic firms, including Hanwha Aerospace, which played a critical role in engine development.
Key technical specifications of the Nuri rocket include its three-stage liquid-fueled design, powered by KRE-075 engines in the first and second stages and a KRE-007 engine in the third stage. It has a payload capacity of approximately 1,900 kilograms to low-Earth orbit (LEO), placing it in the medium-lift category of launch vehicles. The rocket has undergone three launches to date: a failed attempt in October 2021, a successful orbital launch in June 2022, and a third mission in May 2023 that deployed multiple satellites.
The South Korean government invested approximately 2 trillion won (around $1.7 billion) into the development of the Nuri rocket, showcasing its commitment to building a sovereign space launch capability. This extensive investment laid the groundwork for the eventual privatization of the technology, culminating in Hanwha Aerospace’s acquisition of full lifecycle rights in 2025.
Technological Significance
The Nuri rocket stands as a testament to South Korea’s engineering capabilities. Its development involved the creation of complex propulsion systems, structural components, and Avionics, most of which were produced domestically. Hanwha Aerospace, in particular, was responsible for manufacturing the engines that power all three stages of the rocket.
Beyond its technological milestones, Nuri’s development fostered a robust aerospace supply chain within South Korea. This ecosystem now provides a foundation for further innovation, including the development of next-generation launch vehicles and potential reusable systems. The successful deployment of satellites during the third mission also demonstrated the rocket’s operational maturity and reliability.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Nuri is currently a non-reusable rocket, which limits its cost efficiency compared to competitors like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This has prompted discussions about future upgrades, including reusable variants and heavier-lift versions aimed at geostationary orbit missions.
“This transfer marks a first step toward rebuilding trust and fostering future collaboration between KARI and Hanwha Aerospace. It will accelerate the private sector’s role in advancing Korea’s space industry.”, Yoon Young-bin, KASA Administrator
Hanwha Aerospace’s Acquisition and Strategic Goals
On July 25, 2025, Hanwha Aerospace officially signed an agreement with KARI to acquire full lifecycle rights to the Nuri rocket technology. The deal, valued at 24 billion won (approximately $17.5 million), grants Hanwha exclusive rights to manufacture and launch Nuri rockets until 2032. This includes control over design, production, and operations, though it excludes certain government-owned facilities such as the launchpad and propulsion test sites.
Hanwha plans to leverage its broader corporate ecosystem to commercialize the Nuri platform. Through subsidiaries like Hanwha Systems and Satrec Initiative, the company aims to offer integrated space solutions, including satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space-based applications. This vertically integrated model mirrors that of global leaders like SpaceX, which have successfully combined multiple space-related services under one corporate umbrella.
The fourth launch of the Nuri rocket is scheduled for November 2025. Hanwha will oversee this mission in collaboration with KARI, marking its first operational involvement under the new agreement. This launch is expected to serve as a critical test of Hanwha’s capabilities in managing the complex logistics and technical requirements of space missions.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the strategic advantages, Hanwha faces several challenges. One of the most pressing is the high cost of producing the Nuri rocket. Each unit reportedly costs hundreds of billions of won to manufacture, making cost reduction a priority for future competitiveness. Transitioning to reusable rocket technology could be one solution, though it would require significant R&D investment.
Another issue is the ongoing negotiation over intellectual property rights for next-generation rockets. While Hanwha now controls Nuri’s technology, the development of future vehicles, such as the GEO KSLV for geostationary missions, will likely involve shared IP with KARI. Resolving these issues will be essential for avoiding legal disputes and ensuring smooth commercialization.
Finally, Hanwha must secure a steady stream of launch Contracts to sustain operations. This includes attracting international satellite operators and partnering with governments or commercial entities in Asia and beyond. The estimated $30 million launch cost for Nuri positions it competitively in the regional market, but success will depend on execution and market dynamics.
“Hanwha must focus on securing competitive semi-large projectiles and achieving economic feasibility to meet market needs. This deal is a starting point for global competitiveness in low-Earth orbit and deep-space exploration.”, Bang Hyo-chung, National Space Commission
Global Market Context and Future Outlook
The global space launch services market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for satellite constellations, Earth observation, and telecommunications. According to industry research, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%, reaching $41.3 billion by 2030. This expansion presents significant opportunities for new entrants like Hanwha Aerospace.
In this context, Hanwha’s acquisition of the Nuri rocket technology could position South Korea as a competitive player in the commercial launch sector. The country’s existing aerospace infrastructure, combined with Hanwha’s industrial capabilities, provides a strong foundation for growth. Moreover, Nuri’s relatively low launch cost could make it attractive to small satellite operators in Southeast Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets.
Looking ahead, Hanwha plans to develop upgraded versions of the Nuri rocket, including a variant capable of reaching geostationary orbit. This would expand its service offerings and enable participation in more lucrative segments of the launch market. There is also the potential for dual-use applications, though government officials have emphasized that the current focus remains on civilian and commercial missions.
Conclusion
Hanwha Aerospace’s acquisition of the Nuri rocket technology marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s space journey. It represents a strategic shift toward private-sector leadership, aligning the country with global trends and setting the stage for expanded commercial activity in space. With exclusive rights until 2032, Hanwha has a unique opportunity to shape the future of Korea’s space industry.
However, realizing this potential will require overcoming significant challenges, including cost reduction, IP resolution, and market expansion. By investing in reusable technology and fostering international partnerships, Hanwha can build a sustainable business model while contributing to South Korea’s long-term space ambitions. The coming years will be critical in determining whether this bold move translates into lasting success.
FAQ
What is the Nuri rocket?
The Nuri rocket (KSLV-II) is South Korea’s first fully indigenous space launch vehicle, designed to place satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Who developed the Nuri rocket?
The rocket was developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in collaboration with over 300 domestic companies, including Hanwha Aerospace.
Why is Hanwha Aerospace’s acquisition significant?
It marks the first time a private South Korean company has acquired full lifecycle control over a national space launch system, signaling a shift toward privatization and commercial space development.
Sources
Photo Credit: Space
Commercial Space
Starfighters Space Plans STARLAUNCH 1 Captive-Carry Flight Test
Starfighters Space schedules a December 2026 captive-carry flight of STARLAUNCH 1 aboard an F-104 Starfighter from Kennedy Space Center.
Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET) will conduct the first captive-carry flight test of its STARLAUNCH 1 suborbital development vehicle using a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in December 2026. The mission marks the program’s transition from ground-based design to active flight testing, establishing operational procedures for future drop tests and powered launches.
In a press release issued on October 13, 2026, the company confirmed that the airframe design for STARLAUNCH 1 has been finalized and inert flight hardware has been ordered. The December 2026 flight will originate from the company’s base at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center and proceed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida.
Transitioning to active flight testing
The upcoming captive-carry flight represents a critical milestone for the STARLAUNCH program. Inert flight hardware is expected to arrive at the Kennedy Space Center hangar in November 2026. Engineering teams will then begin assembly and testing of the rocket-aircraft interface to ensure the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter can safely carry the suborbital vehicle.
Tim Franta, CEO of Starfighters Space, stated that the planned captive-carry flight will move STARLAUNCH 1 from design and ground-based development directly into flight testing.
“Our approach is deliberately incremental: build the hardware, integrate it with the aircraft, fly it, collect data, and use those results to advance toward separation and powered flight. This work on STARLAUNCH 1 is also expected to generate engineering and operational experience to inform the future development of STARLAUNCH 2.”
The December 2026 mission is designed to test aircraft integration, evaluate aerodynamic behavior, and establish operational procedures. Piercarlo Ciacchi, Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot of Starfighters Space, noted that the flight will capture essential data for the FAA and the United States Space Force (USSF).
“December’s captive-carry mission would essentially be step one of a multi-flight campaign, building processes for our launch team while capturing data for the FAA and the Space Force as we move toward propulsive air launch.”
Following the December 2026 captive-carry mission, the company plans to conduct a drop test over the Atlantic Ocean. This will be followed by a demonstration of the integrated propulsion system.
Hardware integration and propulsion development
The December 2026 flight may also serve a dual purpose by incorporating hardware from the company’s Wind Tunnel in the Sky program. On October 8, 2026, Starfighters Space announced the completion of its first flight hardware for this initiative, manufactured by Italian engineering firm Robby Moto Engineering S.R.L. (RME). The assembled flight articles measure 3.65 meters in length and 178 millimeters in diameter.
During the STARLAUNCH 1 flight, the company may fly this newly completed Wind Tunnel in the Sky hardware under the opposite wing of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter on a customer-funded rideshare mission. In this configuration, the hardware will simultaneously serve as an aerodynamic counterweight for the STARLAUNCH 1 vehicle.
Propulsion development is also advancing in parallel. On September 9, 2026, Starfighters Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Florida-based Vaya Defense & Space to evaluate the Vortex-Hybrid rocket engine for the STARLAUNCH system. Data collected during the December 2026 flight will support Vaya Defense & Space in developing a hybrid rocket motor aligned with the specific requirements of STARLAUNCH 1.
The STARLAUNCH development pathway
Starfighters Space operates the world’s only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ supersonic aircraft. Based at the Kennedy Space Center, the company utilizes its fleet to provide pilot training, in-flight testing, and microgravity research, while actively developing air-launch capabilities for space payloads.
The STARLAUNCH program is the company’s primary air-launch initiative. STARLAUNCH 1 serves as the initial suborbital development vehicle, designed to pave the way for STARLAUNCH 2, a larger vehicle intended for orbital launches.
The program has met several technical milestones throughout the year. On January 21, 2026, the company announced the successful completion of subsonic and supersonic wind tunnel testing for STARLAUNCH 1. These tests demonstrated clean separation behavior at Mach 0.85 and Mach 1.3. Subsequently, on February 20, 2026, the program advanced to a Critical Design Review (CDR) with support from GE Aerospace to confirm design maturity.
Addressing the hypersonic testing bottleneck
The aerospace and defense industries are currently facing a significant bottleneck in hypersonic testing. Traditional ground-based wind tunnels are heavily oversubscribed and typically offer only seconds of test time per run. Airborne platforms like the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fleet offer sustained testing at speeds exceeding Mach 2 in real atmospheric conditions.
This capability provides a complementary method to compress development timelines for defense primes and commercial space companies, allowing them to gather sustained aerodynamic data outside of traditional laboratory environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view the activation of the STARLAUNCH flight test campaign as a notable indicator of the shifting economics in high-speed aerospace testing. By utilizing legacy supersonic platforms to bypass the constraints of ground-based infrastructure, commercial operators are positioning themselves to capture overflow demand from defense primes and space launch developers. If the December 2026 captive-carry flight successfully validates the aerodynamic integration, it will likely accelerate the timeline for propulsive air-launch systems, offering a viable alternative to traditional vertical launch architectures for smaller payloads.
The dual-use nature of the December 2026 flight, which tests the launch vehicle while simultaneously flying a commercial payload as a counterweight, demonstrates a highly efficient approach to flight test monetization. This strategy allows the operator to offset development costs while proving out multiple distinct business lines on a single sortie.
Photo Credit: Starfighters Space
Commercial Space
Space Cargo Unlimited Books SpaceX Starfall for 2028 Mission
Space Cargo Unlimited signs with SpaceX to launch a 1-tonne in-space factory on Starfall in 2028, its first European customer.
Luxembourg-based startups Space Cargo Unlimited has secured a contract with SpaceX to launch a one-tonne modular space factory aboard the new Starfall reentry capsule. The mission, targeted for 2028, marks a significant capacity increase for commercial in-space manufacturing and establishes the company as the first known European customer for the Starfall vehicle.
Announced on September 15, 2026, the agreement will utilize Space Cargo Unlimited’s BentoBox payload platform to produce materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) before returning them to Earth. According to Reuters, the startup is currently in discussions with more than 100 potential customers, with approximately 40 percent originating from the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
Scaling up microgravity production
The upcoming 2028 mission represents a tenfold increase in payload capacity for Space Cargo Unlimited. The company previously operated missions with a 100-kilogram limit. The Starfall contract expands that capacity to 1,000 kilograms, or one metric ton.
In a press release detailing the agreement, Space Cargo Unlimited Co-founder and CEO Nicolas Gaume highlighted the historical barriers to orbital production.
“For more than thirty years, we’ve known that manufacturing in microgravity can create materials and products that simply cannot be produced on Earth. The challenge has never been the science. The challenge has been making access commercially practical, repeatable and scalable.”
Demand for the expanded capacity appears robust. Reporting by Payload indicates that Space Cargo Unlimited has already sold one-third of its 1,000-kilogram allocation for the 2028 flight.
Starfall and the commercialization of Starship
The Space Cargo Unlimited contract is part of a broader commercial rollout for SpaceX’s Starfall reentry vehicle, which is designed to fly on the heavy-lift Starship launch system. SpaceX conducted the first demonstration mission of the Starfall capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket on June 23, 2026.
Other aerospace integrators are also securing space on future Starfall flights. In August 2026, Redwire subsidiary SpaceMD announced plans to fly 32 variants of its PIL-BOX payloads on a 2028 Starfall mission to research microgravity drug development. On September 21, 2026, German launch integrator Exolaunch confirmed an agreement for a Starfall mission scheduled for no earlier than 2029.
SpaceX is actively transitioning the Starship program from developmental testing to revenue-generating operations. Speaking to the vehicle’s long-term capabilities, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk noted the company’s aspirations are to deliver well over one million tons to orbit annually.
While Space Cargo Unlimited has publicized the 2028 target for its BentoBox mission, SpaceX has not officially confirmed the specific timetable for this flight.
AirPro News analysis
We view the transition from 100-kilogram research payloads to one-tonne commercial batches as a critical threshold for the in-space manufacturing sector. The high concentration of prospective biotechnology customers suggests that pharmaceuticals and advanced materials will likely drive the initial economic viability of orbital factories. If SpaceX can maintain the projected 2028 timeline for Starfall operations, the bottleneck for microgravity manufacturing will shift from launch availability to payload integration and terrestrial market demand.
Sources: Space Cargo Unlimited
Photo Credit: Space Cargo Unlimited
Commercial Space
Dawn Aerospace Aurora Spaceplane to Support Astral Materials
Dawn Aerospace will conduct up to 100 microgravity flights for Astral Materials using the Aurora spaceplane from Oklahoma starting 2028.
Astral Materials has selected Dawn Aerospace to conduct up to 100 microgravity test flights using the Aurora spaceplane to accelerate the development of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing hardware. The campaign, announced on September 1, 2026, will operate out of the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.
In a press release issued on September 1, 2026, Dawn Aerospace detailed the agreement, which leverages the rapid reusability of the Aurora spaceplane to provide high-cadence microgravity testing. Astral Materials plans to use these flights to refine its microgravity furnace hardware. The system is designed to reduce gravity-driven defects, such as convection and sedimentation, during the growth of semiconductor crystals. These materials have potential applications in photonics, quantum computing, and high-power electronics.
Rapid iteration in suborbital flight
The Aurora spaceplane is designed to reach a top speed of Mach 3.7 and a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers, providing payloads with up to 127 seconds of microgravity per flight. According to the manufacturers, the vehicle supports a four-hour turnaround time between flights. This operational tempo allows researchers to conduct multiple tests within a single day.
Astral Materials Chief Technology Officer Jiya Janowitz highlighted the value of this cadence for hardware development, noting that payloads can be recovered in approximately 45 minutes.
“We can test an idea, recover it in around 45 minutes, make an adjustment on the ground and test it again later that same day. That kind of rapid iteration has never existed for microgravity manufacturing, and it fundamentally changes how quickly we can develop our technology.”
Astral Materials Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jessica Frick stated that the Aurora spaceplane provides a practical pathway to validate manufacturing systems before scaling to commercial production in orbit, where longer-duration microgravity is available.
Commercial operations and Oklahoma infrastructure
Commercial flight operations for the Astral Materials campaign are slated to begin in 2028 at the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport. The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) welcomed the partnerships in an official social media statement on September 1, 2026, emphasizing the state’s focus on attracting high-cadence commercial spaceflight operations.
This agreement follows an April 16, 2026, announcement in which Dawn Aerospace and OSIDA launched the Suborbital Spaceplane Challenge. That initiative offered United States researchers up to 25 flights aboard the Aurora spaceplane to stimulate utilization of the Oklahoma facility.
Dawn Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Stefan Powell noted that routine access is required to transition microgravity manufacturing from a scientific curiosity to a viable industry, comparing the need for rapid experimentation to previous industrial revolutions.
AirPro News analysis
The partnership between Dawn Aerospace and Astral Materials highlights a critical gap in the current space manufacturing ecosystem. While orbital platforms like the International Space Station offer long-duration microgravity, the cost and lead times associated with orbital launches prohibit the rapid trial-and-error necessary for hardware development. Suborbital spaceplanes like Aurora serve as an essential stepping stone. By providing brief but frequent periods of microgravity, these vehicles allow companies to validate complex systems before committing to expensive orbital deployments.
We note a minor discrepancy in Dawn Aerospace’s published materials regarding the commencement of operations at the Oklahoma site. The main announcement targets 2028 for commercial flights, while the company’s boilerplate text references 2027. Regardless of the exact start date, establishing a reliable suborbital testbed will be vital for the commercial viability of in-space manufacturing applications.
Sources: Dawn Aerospace
Photo Credit: Dawn Aerospace
-
Business Aviation3 days agoDTA Aircraft JP1 eVTOL Targets April 2027 US Flight Testing
-
Regulations & Safety2 days agoFAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
-
Business Aviation3 days agoCivil Air Patrol Orders 21 Cessna Aircraft From Textron Aviation
-
Space & Satellites3 days agoBAE Systems Acquires Colorado Facility for Space Hardware
-
Business Aviation3 days agoUniversal Aviation Rebrands as Affinity Aviation at NBAA 2026