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Korean Air, Exotrail team up on space transport

Technology

Korean Air has signed a partnership with French space company Exotrail to develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) solutions, marking a step into advanced space transport services.

 

The memorandum of understanding was signed on April 2 in Seoul, with both companies agreeing to collaborate on a range of in-orbit services. These include transporting satellites in Low Earth Orbit, deploying payloads across multiple orbits, and extending satellite lifespans through refueling and orbital adjustments.

OTVs are designed to act as the “last-mile” delivery system in space, moving satellites from launch vehicles to their final orbits. The technology also enables in-orbit servicing, which is becoming increasingly important as demand for small satellite constellations grows.

Under the agreement, Korean Air and Exotrail will form a joint working group to coordinate launch schedules and improve cost efficiency for orbital transport.

Korean Air will contribute its experience in aerospace systems, including mission control and structural design, while Exotrail will provide expertise in electric propulsion and orbital mobility solutions. The partnership is also expected to support Exotrail’s expansion into the Asian market.

The collaboration reflects rising demand for flexible satellite deployment, particularly in commercial and defense sectors. It also aligns with Korean Air’s broader strategy to expand its aerospace operations, following its reusable rocket engine development program launched in 2025 in partnership with Hyundai Rotem.

Both companies said the partnership aims to strengthen their position in the rapidly growing “New Space” market, where efficient satellite deployment and servicing capabilities are becoming increasingly critical.

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