Edinburgh / Long Beach, California / Seoul, 10 August 2022. – Space launch systems operator Virgin Orbit, has signed an agreement with South Korean investment group J-Space, to assess candidate spaceport launch sites in South Korea, with the aim to conduct satellite launch services from there using the LauncherOne System, Virgin said.
The cooperation is expected to catalyze the Korean small satellite and space solutions market. It will also boost economic growth, and provide the country with a flexible and responsive launch capability.
J-Space’s mission is to transform the space industry in South Korea with the help of Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne System. The agreement enables the country to offer nations a small satellite launch capability satisfying commercial, government, and defense requirements.
J-Space is to provide funding and expertise, while Virgin Orbit is to bring launch and mission expertise to the partnership. Initially, the partners will channel local South Korean high-tech industries to define end-to-end mission solutions. The duo’s roadmap will result in launch site identification and operations, as well as identifying key associates in the region.
The first LauncherOne flights may take place from South Korea as early as the next 12 -18 months.
