Press release
Cosmo Bee Hall Thruster Integrated into KAIST CubeSat K-HERO for In-Space Validation on Nuri’s Fourth Launch
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A Hall-effect electric thruster for microsatellites—hereafter referred to as a Hall thruster—co-developed by space propulsion-system specialist Cosmo Bee has been integrated into KAIST’s CubeSat K-HERO and will fly aboard Nuri’s fourth launch.
Hall thrusters use electrical energy to accelerate propellant and generate thrust, enabling longer operation with less propellant than chemical thrusters. They are used in global satellite constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink and are considered a key technology for 6G communications satellites and very-low-Earth-orbit Earth-observation satellites.
K-HERO, which will carry the Hall thruster, is a 3U CubeSat developed by a KAIST research team led by Professor Wonho Choe. It measures 10 by 10 by 30 centimeters and weighs 3.9 kilograms. Its primary mission on Nuri’s fourth launch is to verify whether the Hall thruster for microsatellites operates properly in the actual space environment. Cosmo Bee CEO Dongha Park served as the project manager while studying at KAIST, establishing the baseline design and technical foundation.
This will be the first attempt to validate a domestically developed Hall thruster in space aboard Nuri, Korea’s homegrown launch vehicle. It is expected to become an important milestone in accelerating private-sector-led space-technology commercialization. Cosmo Bee is currently the only private company in Korea with the core technology and development capabilities required for Hall thrusters for microsatellites.
“As the only private company with these technical capabilities, we have high expectations for the validation aboard Nuri’s fourth launch,” Park said. “We will lead the expansion of the microsatellite market in the defense and communications sectors.” Founded by KAIST researchers, Cosmo Bee raised KRW 1.5 billion in Pre-Series A funding from Company K Partners, KT Investment and dcamp in August. The company plans to launch its product and raise Series A funding in 2026.
Original article : Cosmo Bee Hall Thruster Integrated into KAIST CubeSat K-HERO for In-Space Validation on Nuri’s Fourth Launch