Berlin, Germany — February 25, 2025 — Exolaunch, a leading global provider of launch services and mission management for small satellites, today announced a new multi-launch agreement (MLA) with South Korean satellite manufacturer Nara Space. 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.

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.

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.

Jae-Pil Park, chief executive officer at Nara Space, commented on the partnership: “This agreement with Exolaunch marks a key milestone in our mission to expand South Korea's role in the global space ecosystem. 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."

Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch, remarked: “We are proud to partner with Nara Space as they push forward into new areas of satellite technology and innovation. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to developing flexible and reliable launch solutions that expand space access for pioneering companies like Nara Space. 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.

About Exolaunch

Exolaunch (Germany, USA) is a global leader in launch mission integration and deployment technologies for small satellites. With a decade of flight heritage and over 490 satellites launched across 32 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for industry leaders, the world's most innovative start-ups, research institutions, government organizations, and international space agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own flight-proven and industry-leading small satellite separation systems, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all.

For more information, please visit www.exolaunch.com

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

About Nara Space

Nara Space is a South Korean satellite infrastructure and Earth observation solutions company, offering a full spectrum of services from small satellite design and manufacturing (under 50 kg) to mission operations and AI-powered data analytics. Since its founding, the company has contributed to over 20 space projects and has grown into a team of 65+ experts, specializing in high-performance satellite solutions for commercial, scientific, and defense applications.

With a steadfast commitment to innovation, Nara Space aims to advance next-generation Earth observation and environmental monitoring services through its Observer and Narsha smallsat constellations. These systems will deliver global insights for industries, governments, and researchers, supporting ESG monitoring, climate action, and strategic decision-making. As an emerging player in the Asian space landscape, Nara Space is driving South Korea's emergence as a competitive force in the international space industry.

For more information, please visit www.naraspace.com

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]