Global Economic Times

Spacebay, a Korean satellite separation system and launch service provider, has partnered with German launch service provider Exolaunch to enter the small satellite commercial launch service market.: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-02-11 19:22:46

Spacebay, founded in 2017 by a researcher from the KAIST Artificial Satellite Research Institute, is the only company in Korea that provides launch services based on satellite separation systems. Since its establishment, the company has been dedicated to the development of satellite separation systems, and has successfully commercialized and demonstrated the space of the nation's first CubeSat Dispenser (SPOD) and non-explosive small satellite separation adapter (SBAND). It is reported that eight related technology patents have been registered in Korea and the United States.

Since last year, the company has started satellite launch services using SpaceX's launch vehicle, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Spacebay said that it has currently won various launch projects such as CubeSats and 200kg-class small satellites in Korea and abroad. Spacebay and Exolaunch launch CubeSats using SpaceX's Rideshare Launch Service.

Next month, the company will carry out the launch project of the ultra-small satellite 'Jinju Sat-1B' developed by Jinju City, a local government. It will be launched by SpaceX's Falcon-9 launch vehicle as the rideshare launch service Transporter-13. It is reported that the satellite Jinju Sat-1B has been loaded onto the Falcon-9 launch vehicle with the support of Spacebay and Exolaunch engineers.

In addition, it is said that it has won the launch service for LumirX-1 and LumirX-2, commercial SAR cluster satellites being developed by Lumir, a Korean satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) specialist. The Lumir satellite launch project is scheduled to be launched sequentially using SpaceX Falcon-9 from next year.

An official from Spacebay explained, "In the global space technology market, we are trying to secure proven manpower and technology that provides services for the entire satellite development and operation process, from satellite design, manufacturing, testing, packaging and transportation, insurance, and launch services, in a turnkey manner." "Customers can focus on their target satellite development by using Spacebay's satellite separation and technology, and can drastically reduce the time and cost required for satellite launch."

Spacebay and Exolaunch aim to raise the level of domestic launch services by strengthening commercial exchanges and cooperation with domestic and foreign launch vehicle companies. In particular, Exolaunch is said to be the largest Global Launch Broker in SpaceX's rideshare launch business. Thanks to this, it is emphasized that if you choose Spacebay and Exolaunch as a satellite launch service partner, you can receive satellite launch services at a lower cost than contracting directly with SpaceX. In addition, it is said that you can enjoy specialized services not provided by SpaceX.

An official from Spacebay said, "In cooperation with Exolaunch, we are increasing the reliability of the satellite separation system and securing core technologies held by overseas advanced companies, such as launch service technology management, satellite collision analysis, and integrated load analysis." "We will continue to win domestic and overseas satellite launch services in the future to solidify our position in the satellite separation system-based launch service area."