Seoul, April 7, 2026. Korean Air and French space company Exotrail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 2 in Seoul to develop Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) solutions.

Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on high-value space services, including:

• Satellite transport to low Earth orbit and payload deployment
• Deployment of satellites into multiple orbits
• Satellite life extension and in-orbit refueling

The partners will establish a joint working group to coordinate launch plans and optimize cost structures for orbital transportation.

OTV: The “Last-Mile” Delivery in Space Transport
An Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a propulsion-based solution that transports small satellites from large launch vehicles to their final target orbits. Functioning as the “last-mile” delivery for space, OTVs provide crucial in-orbit services after deployment, including orbital corrections, refueling, and life extension.

Given the growing demand for small satellite constellations, OTV technology is essential for maximizing deployment efficiency. The ability to deploy multiple satellites into different orbits from a single launch vehicle is a key priority for the global “New Space” industry.

Strategic Collaboration and Technical Integration
Korean Air will contribute its expertise in launch vehicles and satellite systems, including mission control and the design of structural and control systems. Exotrail, a specialist in electric space propulsion and orbital solutions, will leverage this partnership as a strategic bridgehead for its expansion into the Asian market.

Through this collaboration, Korean Air aims to meet the increasing demand for small satellite constellations in the defense and commercial sectors.

“By combining Exotrail’s proven space expertise with Korean Air’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, we aim to secure a competitive edge in the New Space market,” a Korean Air representative stated.

The OTV partnership follows Korean Air’s launch of a reusable 35-ton methane engine development program with Hyundai Rotem in 2025. These combined initiatives expand the company’s aerospace activities to include launch vehicle manufacturing as well as specialized orbital transport services.

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About Korean Air Aerospace
Korean Air Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace technology. Operating primarily from its Busan Tech Center and Daejeon R&D Center, the division seamlessly integrates half a century of aviation experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

The division specializes in three core areas: the design and manufacturing of complex aircraft structures; comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and modernization for military aircraft; and the development of advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and space launch technologies. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Korean Air Aerospace continues to drive the future of aerospace mobility and defense systems.

Korean Air’s aerospace capabilities are complemented by the airline’s 57-year history, which will see it carry over 25 million passengers in 2025. With its hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 116 cities in 39 countries across five continents and employs over 20,000 professional staff. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air operates a trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines, offering customers a seamless travel network and enhanced benefits.

For more information about Korean Air Aerospace, please visit: aerospace.koreanair.com

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