Korean Air Develops High-Performance Engine for Domestic Small Launch Vehicle... "Targeting 2027"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Korean Air is embarking on the development of a high-performance engine for small launch vehicles.

Korean Air announced on the 3rd that it has been selected as a recipient of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Small Launch Vehicle Development Capability Support Project” and has begun developing a high-performance engine for the upper stage of a small launch vehicle.

This Small Launch Vehicle Development Capability Support Project aims to develop a two-stage small space launch vehicle using domestic technology. The lower stage of the two-stage launch vehicle will be equipped with a 75-ton class engine used in the Nuri rocket. The engine Korean Air is developing is a 3-ton class engine intended for the upper stage of the launch vehicle. Korean Air, along with other private companies selected for the project, will lead the entire process from initial design to development, competing in research and development. The project budget is approximately 20 billion KRW, with a target completion date set for 2027.

During the engine development process, Korean Air will take on the overall responsibility for engine system design, assembly and system management, and testing and certification. To ensure the successful execution of the project, Korean Air has formed a consortium with leading domestic aerospace companies and academic institutions, including BitsroneXTech, Hanyang ENG, Genoco, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Seoul National University, and Chungbuk National University, all of which specialize in Nuri rocket engines and propulsion. The consortium will focus on independent domestic research on liquid rocket engine technology and apply new technologies such as manufacturing techniques using 3D printers to develop an engine that is both cost-effective and high-performing.

Korean Air played a leading role in the development and assembly of Korea’s first space launch vehicle, the Naro-1 (KSLV-I), in 2012, as well as in the development of the 75-ton and 7-ton class engines. Additionally, Korean Air has maintained a high level of aerospace technology capability through continuous projects involving comprehensive aircraft systems and civil aircraft structural development.

Currently, to strengthen the global competitiveness of the domestic space industry, Korean Air is actively participating in the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Space Pioneer” project, which is being promoted with a total budget of 211.5 billion KRW through 2030. Korean Air is engaged in the development of a common bulkhead propellant tank used in space launch vehicles, a fuel supply device connecting launch vehicle stages, and a mobile launch pad. It is also participating in the Future Space Education Center consortium at Pusan National University to nurture space specialists, developing avionics systems for launch vehicle payloads and designing airborne launch vehicle missions. Participation in this Small Launch Vehicle Development Capability Support Project is expected to further enhance Korean Air’s core technological capabilities related to space launch vehicles.

Meanwhile, Korean Air aims to establish itself as a leading company capable of successfully developing cost-effective small launch vehicles and building small satellite launch services through this engine development project, positioning itself as a representative “New Space” company in Korea. Furthermore, Korean Air plans to continuously strive to become a leading small satellite launch service provider representing the Republic of Korea in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.