INNOSPACE and RSAT Space Inc. Sign Strategic MOU for Satellite Launch Services and Space Systems Cooperation
Press Release + Noah Note
Combines INNOSPACE’s launch vehicle capabilities with RSAT’s space systems integration expertise
Establishes a North American foothold to expand across government, commercial, and defense markets
Follows March LOI for Canadian launch site access, exploring regional launch service cooperation
INNOSPACE, a South Korean satellite launch service company, and RSAT Space Inc. (“RSAT”), a Canada-based space and defense technology company, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore strategic cooperation in satellite launch services and related space system opportunities.
Under the MOU, the two companies will jointly explore cooperation across the North American market, including Canada, as well as other mutually agreed regions. The collaboration includes plans to jointly pursue Canadian government and commercial programs and to develop new business initiatives by integrating satellite launch services with advanced space system capabilities.
INNOSPACE is strengthening its affordable and responsive launch services based on the development and operation of its HANBIT launch vehicle. RSAT brings extensive experience in space system integration, mission support, and infrastructure development across a range of space programs. By combining their complementary strengths, the companies aim to create synergies and develop commercial models capable of addressing demand across government, commercial, and defense markets.
The MOU follows INNOSPACE’s non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in March with Maritime Launch Services (MLS) to secure a launch site foothold in Canada. This marks a significant step toward establishing a strategic foundation for recurring satellite launches leveraging regional launch infrastructure. The partnership is expected to extend beyond launch execution to include local industrial participation and supply chain integration, positioning it as a scalable industrial cooperation model aligned with evolving global procurement and offset frameworks.
"This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our commitment to strengthening international partnerships and expanding access to reliable and flexible launch capabilities. We look forward to working with INNOSPACE to explore opportunities that support the growth of the space ecosystem and enable mission readiness for a broad range of stakeholders." said Gurvinder Chohan, CEO of RSAT.
“This partnership represents a key milestone in advancing our launch service business in Canada and the broader North American market, while establishing an operational foundation to reliably support regional launch demand. We will continue to work closely with RSAT to strengthen partnerships with local industries, expand cooperative frameworks, and build a sustainable business model,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE.
Noah Note: One of the funniest things about CPSP would be making Innospace in Canada a thing. Thats saying a lot, because we're had such highlights as the Korean government showing up at Wayne Eyes door, two ambassador crashouts, and Kier Starmer giving dramatic letters.
Innospace faces tough domestic competition though. There is no lack of small-launch companies floating around these days, especially with money now on the table. The companies Hanbit-Nano platform, what is often seen discussed in the Canadian context is only designed to bring payloads of approximately 90 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The companies financials are in a weird spot, with the latest financial reports showing a fairly substantial oprrating loss, primarily due to a nearly four-times higher cost associated with R&D. Spaceward, the companies first Orbital Launch last year, also managed to squeeze out at the eleventh hour after some serious technical issues.
I'm not trying to be dismissive mind you. I respect companies trying to invest in Canada, and rocketry is hard, very hard. It is also expensive. However, they have a lot of domestic competition even with a successful launch under their belt. That and the inherent difficulty of small-launxh operations to be profitable?
It's gonna be hard…