Cosmovi Hall Thruster Validated in Orbit Aboard KAIST K-HERO on Nuri's 4th Launch

An innovative leap that will shoulder the future of Korean space technology is just around the corner. CosmoBee, a company specializing in space propulsion systems, in collaboration with KAIST, has participated in the development of a 'Hall-effect electric thruster (hereinafter referred to as Hall thruster)' for microsatellites, which will be onboard KAIST's cubesat 'K-HERO' and launched into space via the 4th Nuri rocket launch. This will be a historic moment that will change the landscape of South Korea's space industry. The Hall thruster is a futuristic space engine that uses electricity as propellant to accelerate ions, generating efficient and powerful thrust. Compared to chemical thrusters, it can operate for much longer periods with less fuel, and has established itself as a core technology for global constellation satellite systems, like SpaceX's Starlink satellites. It is gaining attention as an essential advanced technology for realizing future space services such as 6G communication satellites and very-low-Earth-orbit (VLEO) Earth observation satellites. K-HERO, which will carry the Hall thruster during this launch, is a 3U cubesat (10cm width/length, 30cm height), weighing 3.9kg, developed by Professor Wonho Choi's research team at KAIST. Its primary mission is to verify whether the Hall thruster for microsatellites operates perfectly in the actual space environment. Notably, Dongha Park, CEO of CosmoBee, was the PM (Project Manager) for the K-HERO project during his time at KAIST, establishing the fundamental design and technological basis of the Hall thruster, making his anticipation for this launch particularly significant. The 4th Nuri rocket launch is attracting exceptional attention as it marks the first instance of a domestically developed Hall thruster undergoing space verification via a domestic launch vehicle. This will accelerate the commercialization of privately-led space technology and serve as a crucial turning point for South Korea to emerge as a major space power. Currently, CosmoBee is the only domestic private company possessing both the original technology and development capabilities for microsatellite Hall thrusters, proving its unique technological standing. Dongha Park, CEO of CosmoBee, expressed his ambitious aspiration: "By successfully verifying our technology through the 4th Nuri launch, we aim to lead the expansion of the microsatellite market in the defense and telecommunications sectors." CosmoBee, founded by researchers from KAIST, secured 1.5 billion won in pre-Series A investment from Company K Partners, KT Investment, and D.Camp last August, continuing its rapid growth. Its roadmap for the future is also taking shape, including a planned official product launch and Series A investment round in 2026. All eyes are on CosmoBee's bold challenge as it prepares to usher in a new era of South Korean space technology.