Exolaunch Announces Partnership with South Korea's Nara Space
Will Manage Launch and Deployment of Advanced Satellite Constellations
A multi-launch agreement (MLA) has been announced between South Korean satellite manufacturer Nara Space and Exolaunch. The agreement, which spans from 2025 through 2028, solidifies a partnership to deploy several 12U and 16U satellites in orbit during SpaceX rideshare missions, with options to launch additional satellites ranging from 3U to 16U in size across the contract term. The MLA kicks off with the deployment of Nara Space's Observer-1B, a 16U Earth observation cubesat, slated to launch in 2025.
"Following the successful deployment of Observer-1A, we are now accelerating the development of our satellite constellations to deliver both advanced high-resolution Earth observation and methane monitoring solutions."
Jae-Pil Park, Nara Space
Under this new agreement, Exolaunch will support the deployment of Nara Space's expanding satellite programs and customer missions, including the Observer and Narsha series. Following the launch of Observer-1B, Narsha, a methane-monitoring satellite, is scheduled for deployment in 2026 as the first step toward a full-scale global constellation.
Equipped with a hyperspectral imager operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range, Narsha will detect methane emissions as small as 100 kg/h with a ground sampling distance of less than 50 meters, enabling the detection of even weak methane signals. With a 12-satellite constellation planned by 2028, the system aims to achieve 90% global coverage within a four-week cycle, significantly enhancing methane emission monitoring and contributing to global climate and environmental initiatives.
Through the MLA, Exolaunch will deliver a full-service deployment package designed to support Nara Space's evolving mission requirements. The service package includes launch capacity, mission planning, integration, testing, shipping, and deployment services tailored to Nara Space's unique technical specifications. Exolaunch will deploy the satellites using its EXOpod Nova deployer, a robust and customizable cubesat deployer engineered for secure and efficient deployments of larger cubesat formats. The EXOpod Nova has become a trusted industry standard, with hundreds of successful satellite deployments, offering safety and precision that match the demands of Nara Space's high-stakes missions.
“This agreement with Exolaunch marks a key milestone in our mission to expand South Korea's role in the global space ecosystem," said Jae-Pil Park, CEO at Nara Space. "Following the successful deployment of Observer-1A, we are now accelerating the development of our satellite constellations to deliver both advanced high-resolution Earth observation and methane monitoring solutions. Exolaunch's expertise in launch services and mission management ensures a seamless path to orbit, not just for our growing fleet but also our clients. Observer-1B and Narsha represent just the beginning of our long-term vision, and we are excited to take the next steps toward a more connected and data-driven future in space."
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to developing flexible and reliable launch solutions that expand space access for pioneering companies like Nara Space," said Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. "We're thrilled to continue supporting the growth of South Korea's space sector with Observer-1B and upcoming missions, and we look forward to launching these ambitious projects in the years ahead.”
Exolaunch's EXOpod Nova will be instrumental in these missions, as its advanced shock protection and robust separation mechanism ensure reliable and safe satellite deployments. With its versatile design, the EXOpod Nova adapts to various cubesat sizes, making it ideal for diverse mission portfolios like Nara Space's. Additionally, Exolaunch may provide hardware and mission integration support as Nara Space considers future launches on emerging South Korean launch vehicles, further strengthening both companies' roles in advancing the region's space capabilities.
Founded in 2015, Nara Space has emerged as a key player in South Korea's space sector, becoming the first private company in the country to successfully launch and operate a 16U optical satellite. Observer-1A, deployed via Exolaunch on SpaceX's Transporter-9 mission in November 2023, marked a historic milestone as South Korea's first privately developed and operated satellite of this size.