Hanwha Aerospace has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with space launch startup Perigee Aerospace to enhance space transportation technology. The agreement was signed on March 26 at Perigee’s Rocket Development Complex in North Chungcheong Province. Present at the signing were Shin Dong-yoon, CEO of Perigee, Lee Jun-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s space division, and other officials.
As part of the collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace’s team toured Perigee’s RDC facility, reviewing the progress of the “Blue Whale 1 (BW1)” space launch vehicle and various research facilities. Both companies discussed strategies for future cooperation to strengthen technological capabilities in the space sector.
Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace and Perigee Aerospace will collaborate by sharing technical and commercial expertise to enhance space launch vehicle development. Their long-term strategic cooperation aims to advance future space transportation technologies and explore new business opportunities in the sector.
Hanwha Aerospace has been a key player in South Korea’s space industry, working with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) as the system integrator for the national launch vehicle “Nuri” since 2022. The company has contributed to engine development and test facility construction, with the fourth launch of Nuri scheduled for the second half of this year. In 2024, Hanwha Aerospace was selected as the system integrator for the next-generation launch vehicle set to carry a lunar lander by 2032.
Perigee CEO Shin Dong-yoon emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that working with Hanwha Aerospace, a leader in the space industry, will accelerate the company’s business expansion. He highlighted that the collaboration would drive Perigee’s rapid growth and strengthen its position as a next-generation private space launch company.
Lee Joon-won, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s space business division, emphasized that the agreement strengthens collaboration between the two companies. He expressed optimism that their combined technological capabilities would help drive the growth of South Korea’s space industry.
A representative from Hanwha Aerospace emphasized that the partnership is set to strengthen global competitiveness in space transportation. By utilizing Perigee Aerospace’s capabilities in small launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and carbon composite fuselage structures, the collaboration aims to advance commercially viable and sustainable space propulsion technologies.
