Ibadan, 7 April 2026. – Korean Air and French space company Exotrail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) solutions, as well as establish a joint working group to coordinate launch schedules and optimize orbital transport cost structures.
Orbital Transfer Vehicles transport small satellites from large launch vehicles to their final target orbits. Functioning as the last-mile delivery for space, OTVs provide critical in-orbit services after deployment, including orbital correction, refueling and life extension.
As demand for small satellite constellations grows, OTV technology is essential for maximizing deployment efficiency. More so, the capability to deploy multiple satellites into distinct orbits from a single launch vehicle is a key priority for the global NewSpace industry.
Through this collaboration, the Korean airline intends to address growing demand for ultra-small satellite constellations in the defense and commercial sectors and will leverage its expertise in launch vehicle and satellite systems, including mission control and structural/control system design.
On the other hand, Exotrail, a specialist in electric space propulsion and orbital solutions, will establish this partnership as a strategic bridgehead for its expansion into the Asian market. Under the agreement, both companies will subsequently collaborate on high-value space services, including low Earth orbit satellite transport and payload hosting, multi-orbit satellite deployment, and satellite life extension and in-orbit refueling.
“By combining Exotrail’s proven space heritage with Korean Air’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, we aim to secure a competitive advantage in the New Space market,” said a Korean Air representative.
The OTV partnership follows the launch of Korean Air’s 35-ton reusable methane engine development program with Hyundai Rotem in 2025. These combined initiatives expand the company’s aerospace operations to include both launch vehicle manufacturing and specialized orbital transport services.
