Perigee Aerospace has begun scaling up significantly after securing investment through the Daegu-Jeju-Gwangju Regional Innovation Venture Fund, in which JCCEI is a participant as a limited partner. The company made headlines in 2021 by launching a private small rocket from Yongsoo-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju. Now, it is achieving concrete milestones such as reusable launch vehicles and maritime launches. With the launch of the Blue Whale 0.4 planned for the first half of next year, we sat down with Soo-Hwan Kim, Director of Perigee Aerospace, to discuss their progress and vision.
Written by Samuel Kim Photos by Seong-Geun Lee and Perigee Aerospace
Soo-Hwan Kim, Director of Perigee Aerospace
Starting with the launch of Blue Whale 0.1 in 2021 and showcasing hovering technology essential for reusable launch vehicles last year, could you share Perigee Aerospace’s achievements to date?
Perigee Aerospace (hereafter Perigee) launched its first rocket, Blue Whale 0.1, in 2021. Since then, it has been upgraded to Blue Whale 0.3, which successfully completed a critical milestone in November 2023. The rocket vertically ascended to an altitude of 100 meters, hovered mid-air, and achieved precise vertical landing at a designated location.
The next step is to test Blue Whale 0.4, which represents the upper stage of a two-stage rocket. Preparations include the development of a marine launch platform, establishment of a communication platform, obtaining regulatory approvals, and securing community agreements. If the launch is successful, Perigee aims to assemble all components and achieve the commercialization of Blue Whale 1 by the end of next year.
What is the specific objective of Blue Whale 0.4, which is scheduled for a sea launch in the first half of next year?
The goal of Blue Whale 0.4 is to reach a suborbital trajectory and return safely. Similar to the Nuri rocket test launch vehicle, the upper stage rocket will separate from the lower booster and ascend to a suborbital altitude, capable of carrying a payload of approximately 30 kilograms. Only after successfully achieving this milestone can we move on to Blue Whale 1, which will enter orbit and deploy satellites.
Rockets consist of interconnected systems, including engines, fuel tanks, and control mechanisms. While the development of individual components may be complete, integrating them into a fully operational system is an entirely different challenge. Additionally, precise remote control of the barge for the marine launch platform (MLP) is essential to ensure no margin of error when positioning the completed launch vehicle. Verifying every aspect of the launch system step-by-step remains a critical task.
Example of a sea launch of Blue Whale 1
Reusable launch vehicles seem to be a global trend. Perigee Aerospace is also focusing on sustainability, correct?
Reusing launch vehicles is no longer an option but a necessity, regardless of rocket size. Previously, launch vehicles were recovered from the sea and reused. Among rocket components, the lower stage, which houses the main engine and fuel, is particularly expensive to produce. Reusing this part can significantly reduce launch costs.
SpaceX has been recovering and reusing the first-stage boosters of its Falcon 9 rockets since 2015. More recently, the much larger Super Heavy rocket completed a full Earth orbit and returned to its launch pad, showcasing remarkable progress. The second stage, which functions as both a booster and a spacecraft, also successfully returned to its target location.
At Perigee, we validated hovering technology during the Blue Whale 0.3 launch as a critical step toward developing reusable rockets. Additionally, the Korean Aerospace Administration has announced plans to develop reusable launch vehicles and apply methane-powered engines, aligning with global trends.
Perigee’s technology has been recognized as a National Strategic Technology. How is the domestic aerospace sector evolving?
Perigee’s cryogenic propellant engine technology, which uses liquid methane for 3-ton-class space launch vehicles, has been designated as a National Strategic Technology by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This technology will be applied to the first-stage engine of Blue Whale 1. Additionally, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy has designated liquid methane engine design and manufacturing as a Core Strategic Technology project.
Until recently, kerosene (commonly known as RP-1) was the primary fuel for space launch vehicles, including Korea’s Nuri rocket. However, kerosene leaves carbon residue inside engines during combustion, making them unsuitable for reuse. In contrast, methane leaves almost no residue, making it ideal for reusable rockets.
By using methane, the Blue Whale series combines high performance, low costs, and environmental sustainability. This fuel choice also enables the construction of smaller rockets and launch pads, further improving efficiency.
Cryogenic propellant engine technology for space launch vehicles, recognized as a ‘National Strategic Technology’ by the Ministry of Science and ICT
Recently, Perigee Aerospace has secured investments from various sources, including the Daegu-Jeju-Gwangju Regional Innovation Venture Fund, in which JCCEI participates as a limited partner.
With increasing interest in the space industry, the Korean Aerospace Administration has been established, reflecting the government’s active involvement. This momentum has significantly enhanced Perigee Aerospace’s corporate value, allowing the company to secure over 70 billion KRW in cumulative investments. During the Blue Whale 0.1 project, Perigee operated with a team of 30 employees; today, the company has expanded to over 100 highly skilled professionals.
The Daegu-Jeju-Gwangju Regional Innovation Venture Fund, which focuses on investing in regional innovation companies, recognized Perigee’s achievements and potential for innovation, particularly given its strong foundation in Jeju. We look forward to delivering tangible results and generating revenue through successful commercialization.
Additionally, the Hanwha Space Center is currently being constructed within the Hawon Techno Campus in Seogwipo City. The announcement of policies to establish space centers and foster the industry has drawn significant attention. These efforts have proven invaluable for attracting investments, securing talent, and enhancing corporate branding, acting as a critical catalyst for startups. While it is difficult to quantify the immediate value, these initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to regional economic revitalization and deliver long-term positive effects.
Perigee Aerospace has secured a sea launch base in Hallim, Jeju, and office space in the Advanced Science and Technology Complex. What advantages do these locations offer?
On the mainland, the costs associated with securing a safe radius for rocket launches are significantly higher, so we opted to establish a sea launch base in Hallim. Jeju’s location at the southernmost point of Korea also provides favorable conditions for achieving optimal launch angles.
The Hawon Techno Campus, located on the former Tamna University site, has been designated as Korea’s first Opportunity Development Zone, allowing us to collaborate with Hanwha Systems on various projects. The Advanced Science and Technology Complex serves as a suitable mid-point between the airport, where launch vehicle components are transported, and the Hallim sea launch base, making it ideal for assembly and transfer.
Additionally, the complex hosts numerous IT companies, enabling us to collaborate on projects involving AI integration and other advanced technologies. This environment also makes talent acquisition significantly more convenient, which is critical for scaling our operations.
Collaboration seems to be a defining characteristic of Perigee Aerospace’s DNA.
Perigee is truly a nationwide company. Our headquarters in Daejeon focuses on technology research, while our factory in Ochang handles component manufacturing. Most importantly, our launches take place in Jeju. We also rely on marine environment experts based locally in Jeju and continue to receive support from professors at Jeju National University.
Traditionally, the aerospace industry has been a massive undertaking that only national governments could pursue. It’s only in recent times that private enterprises have been able to inherit and industrialize this technology. Perigee has received significant support from the government, including access to engine technology assets developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), which successfully launched the Nuri rocket with proprietary technology.
We’ve also partnered with aerospace engineering departments to establish a Rocket Research Center, where we’ve conducted combustion tests for high-efficiency combustors and engine control valves. In addition, we collaborate with Hanwha Aerospace on projects involving the Korean Aerospace Administration. Our partnerships extend to other key players like Dallo Aerospace and SpaceBeam, ensuring a robust ecosystem for innovation.
What does the future hold for Perigee Aerospace? What innovations can we expect after the commercialization of Blue Whale?
Perigee is set to become the first company in Korea to successfully launch a private commercial rocket. But we won’t stop there. We plan to participate in government-led outer-orbit space exploration projects. This includes preparing for asteroid exploration missions, where rockets will reach target locations, deploy probes, and return to orbit.
Once we achieve the commercialization of small launch vehicles, we envision leveraging the proven market potential to establish shared infrastructure. We also anticipate the emergence of specialized companies focused on researching and manufacturing specific rocket components.
Korea is undoubtedly a global leader in technology. However, to close the gap with the top players, we need to pool our efforts. I hope to see a strong space industry ecosystem built on the government’s commitment and national consensus. Perigee Aerospace is dedicated to preparing for that moment.
Soo-Hwan Kim, Director of Perigee Aerospace, sharing the company’s vision
