Korean Air and French space company Exotrail signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 2 in Seoul to develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) solutions. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on high-value space services, including:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite transport and payload hosting;
- Multi-orbit satellite deployment;
- Satellite life extension and in-orbit refuelling.
The partners will establish a joint working group to coordinate launch schedules and optimise orbital transport cost structures. An Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a propulsion-based solution that transports small satellites from large launch vehicles to their final target orbits. Functioning as the last-mile delivery for space, OTVs provide critical in-orbit services after deployment, including orbital correction, refuelling and life extension.
As demand for small satellite constellations grows, OTV technology is essential for maximising deployment efficiency. The capability to deploy multiple satellites into distinct orbits from a single launch vehicle is a key priority for the global “New Space” industry. Korean Air will utilise its expertise in launch vehicle and satellite systems, including mission control and structural/control system design. Exotrail, a specialist in electric space propulsion and orbital solutions, will establish this partnership as a strategic bridgehead for its expansion into the Asian market. Through this collaboration, Korean Air aims to address growing demand for ultra-small satellite constellations in the defense and commercial sectors.
“By combining Exotrail’s proven space heritage with Korean Air’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, we aim to secure a competitive advantage in the New Space market,” said a Korean Air representative.
The OTV partnership follows the launch of Korean Air’s 35-ton reusable methane engine development program with Hyundai Rotem in 2025. These combined initiatives expand the company’s aerospace operations to include both launch vehicle manufacturing and specialised orbital transport services.
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