Company says it has delivered 950 tons this year, calling the deal a foothold in the US space market

Workers load steel pipes onto a trailer at KBI Dong Yang Steel Pipe's Cheonan factory on Wednesday for delivery to a SpaceX rocket launch facility. [Company]
Workers load steel pipes onto a trailer at KBI Dong Yang Steel Pipe's Cheonan factory on Wednesday for delivery to a SpaceX rocket launch facility. [Company]

KBI Dong Yang Steel Pipe is supplying steel pipe products to SpaceX, the US private space company.

The company said Monday it delivered 640 tons of steel pipes for satellite launch facilities in April and shipped an additional 310 tons this month, bringing this year's total to 950 tons.

The pipes are used in water deluge systems that absorb the intense heat generated during rocket launches. Made from high-strength steel, they are considered critical safety materials for launch pad infrastructure. The pipes are destined for SpaceX's satellite launch facilities in Florida and Texas.

KBI Dong Yang Steel Pipe underwent a manufacturing process audit in March that certified its quality standards. On that basis, the company delivered its first batch on schedule and has since fulfilled second and third orders on time without any additional requirements from SpaceX.

The company said securing a supply record with SpaceX puts it in a strong position to win further orders and has opened a path to expanding into the space industry.

"We have proven our technological capabilities by supplying products for the SpaceX project, which demands the highest level of technology in the world," said KBI Dong Yang Steel Pipe Chief Executive Lee Gwak-woo. "We will use this as a springboard to expand our business in the US market."


freiheit@heraldcorp.com