Seoul: Korean Air Co., South Korea's flag carrier, announced it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with French aerospace company Exotrail for the joint development of an orbit transfer vehicle (OTV). The collaboration aims to enhance capabilities in the space sector, focusing on low Earth orbit satellite transportation, payload hosting, multi-orbit satellite deployment, and satellite life extension and refueling.

According to Yonhap News Agency, both companies plan to form a joint working group to discuss detailed launch plans and optimize cost structures for orbital transportation services. Korean Air intends to leverage its aerospace manufacturing capabilities alongside Exotrail's established space heritage, aiming to secure a technological edge in future defense and 'New Space' markets.

Korean Air highlighted that the partnership is expected to meet the growing demand from defense-related small satellite constellations and the commercial satellite market. Meanwhile, Exotrail aims to expand its presence in Asia through this strategic collaboration. An OTV is crucial for transporting small satellites from a primary launch vehicle to their designated orbits, a capability that is increasingly important as the demand for deploying multiple small satellites in a single launch rises.