From Optical Fiber Gyros to Methane Engines... KASA Selects 8 "Space New Technologies"

Achievements in Localizing Core Satellite and Launch Vehicle Technologies
Including FiberPro, Innospace, and Feriz

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) has designated eight core technologies, including optical fiber gyros, space-grade semiconductors, and liquid rocket engine technologies, as "Space New Technologies" to support the competitiveness of the domestic space industry.

On June 17, KASA announced at its Sacheon headquarters that it held the 2nd Space New Technology Certificate Award Ceremony, officially designating a total of eight technologies—four in the satellite sector and four in the launch vehicle sector—as Space New Technologies.

The low-noise weak signal acquisition and high-precision navigation filter technology GNSS receiver for geostationary satellites developed by Doositech Co., Ltd. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)

The Space New Technology Designation System is a program that selects and supports technology either developed in Korea for the first time or improved from overseas technology, which demonstrates novelty, advancement, and high commercialization potential. The system was introduced last year. This year, a total of 30 applications were received, with eight technologies ultimately selected.

Most of the selected technologies can contribute to localization of key components and enhancement of launch vehicle performance.

In the satellite sector, FiberPro's "optical fiber gyro for low Earth orbit satellites" was included. This technology is a device that precisely measures a satellite's rotation and controls its orientation, and is expected to be adopted by a variety of satellite platforms through the localization of core components.

DusicTech's "GNSS receiver for geostationary satellites" was also selected. As a device that precisely determines satellite position and time, it was recognized for building an independent satellite operation foundation by using components not subject to export restrictions.

Cosmobi's "10mN-class Hall thruster and hollow cathode" is next-generation satellite technology based on electric propulsion, while MID's "space-grade high-reliability SRAM" is a semiconductor technology for space that operates reliably even in extreme space environments.

In the launch vehicle sector, Vitronextech's "anti-oxidation coating technology for metal ignition prevention in liquid rocket engines" was selected. This technology prevents ignition of internal engine parts in high-temperature, high-pressure environments, increasing the possibility of applying reusable launch vehicles.

FiberPro Co., Ltd.'s optical fiber gyro for low Earth orbit satellites. Provided by KASA

Hanyang ENG's "high-pressure and cryogenic single-line umbilical technology for space launch vehicles" is a key technology that supplies cryogenic propellant before launch and safely detaches at liftoff.

Feriz Aerospace's "electroforming process technology for regenerative cooling combustion chambers in liquid rocket engines" and Innospace's "regenerative cooling methane engine combustor for bipropellant engines" were also designated as Space New Technologies.

In particular, Innospace's technology is notable for applying a regenerative cooling method using methane and oxygen, combined with 3D printing technology, to reduce engine weight while improving performance.

"Supporting Commercialization of Core Technologies by Private Space Companies"

KASA plans to support performance testing and evaluation so that the selected technologies can swiftly enter the market, and will also pursue public procurement linkage by designating government innovation products.

Tae seog Oh, Administrator of KASA, stated, "These new technologies are significant in that they secure core source technologies for the space industry under private sector leadership," adding, "We will actively support the successful commercialization and mass production of these new technologies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.