Hanwha Aerospace to Develop Propulsion System for Korean Lunar Lander

Hanwha Aerospace has secured a 103.3 billion won (about US$71.5 million) contract to develop the propulsion system for South Korea’s first lunar lander, which is scheduled for launch in 2032.

The contract was signed with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) as part of the government’s lunar exploration program.

Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will be responsible for the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of key propulsion components, including the landing engine and attitude control thrusters, through 2032.

According to Hanwha Aerospace, KARI will oversee the overall design of the lunar lander’s propulsion system, while Hanwha Aerospace will handle the full integration and testing of the system.

The propulsion system is critical for achieving a soft landing on the Moon, requiring precise thrust control and reliable propellant management.

Hanwha Aerospace is currently the only domestic company with the technology and infrastructure to develop a monomethyl hydrazine/nitrogen tetroxide (MMH/NTO)-based dual propulsion system, which meets the technical requirements for lunar landing missions.