Assembly of reusable technology demonstrator under way

Technology validation to be completed by 2028, with key capabilities to follow

SpaceX pioneered commercial reusable launch vehicles worldwide

Dozens of reuses have dramatically lowered per-kilogram launch costs

'Will contribute to Korea's space transport capacity and private-sector growth'

A configuration diagram of the reusable technology demonstrator. [Korea Aerospace Research Institute]
A configuration diagram of the reusable technology demonstrator. [Korea Aerospace Research Institute]

Hanwha Aerospace announced Wednesday that it has begun final assembly of a reusable technology demonstrator aimed at securing core capabilities for reusable space launch vehicles.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is leading the overall research and overseeing system integration, with Hanwha Aerospace serving as the primary systems integrator alongside domestic space companies including Vitzro Nextech and Hanyang ENG. The project aims to complete technology validation and secure key reusable launch vehicle capabilities by 2028.

The demonstrator stands 12.2 meters tall with a diameter of 1.5 meters and will be equipped with a single staged-combustion cycle turbopump engine capable of thrust control. A flight test planned for 2028 will aim to lift off vertically, reach an altitude of 500 meters within about 90 seconds, and land vertically at the designated landing site.

Reusable launch vehicle technology is widely regarded as a critical capability for competing in the global space transportation services market. SpaceX, which pioneered the commercial use of reusable launch vehicles, has reused the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket dozens of times, dramatically lowering the cost per kilogram to orbit. Industry observers say that recovering even just the first stage — the lower portion of a rocket — could substantially cut launch costs compared with expendable vehicles.

Under KARI's leadership, Hanwha Aerospace plans to develop the demonstrator and validate key technologies for reusable launch vehicles, including engine thrust control, attitude control and guidance systems. The company intends to use the effort as a springboard for first-stage reuse of a next-generation launch vehicle planned for the mid-2030s, accelerating its push into the space transportation services market through improved launch cost competitiveness.

"We will work with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and our partners to successfully carry out this research and contribute to strengthening South Korea's space transport capabilities and fostering growth in the private space industry ecosystem," a Hanwha Aerospace official said.


keg@heraldcorp.com