Customer Profile
KAIST
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
KAIST is a public research university located in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, that specializes in science, technology, and aerospace engineering [research-findings]. The institution plays a central role in the South Korean space sector through satellite development research and advanced aerospace engineering [research-findings].
The organization operates the KAIST Space Institute, which was officially launched in April 2024 2. The institute focuses on cutting-edge space technology research and satellite development [research-findings].
Investment Thesis
KAIST is a public research university located in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, that specializes in science, technology, and aerospace engineering [research-findings]. The institution plays a central role in the South Korean space sector through satellite development research and advanced aerospace engineering [research-findings].
The organization operates the KAIST Space Institute, which was officially launched in April 2024 2. The institute focuses on cutting-edge space technology research and satellite development [research-findings].
Key Differentiators
- • Research Leadership: Plays a leading role in South Korea's space sector through aerospace engineering research [research-findings].
- • Institutional Scale: Operates the KAIST Space Institute and the KAIST SaTReC organization 23.
- • Satellite Portfolio: Manages a diverse range of satellite programs including NEONSAT-1, NEXTSAT, STSAT, and KITSAT [research-findings].
Risk Factors
- • Funding Structure: Funding details are not specified as the organization functions as a research university [research-findings].
Rocket Lab Relationship
KAIST is a verified Rocket Lab customer. On April 23, 2024, Rocket Lab successfully launched the Electron rocket for the Beginning Of The Swarm mission, which deployed the 115 kg NEONSAT-1 satellite 14.
This relationship utilizes the Launch Services segment of Rocket Lab's business. The mission involved separating the KAIST satellite from a NASA satellite by approximately 500 km to achieve different orbits 4.
Business Model
KAIST operates as a premier public research university specializing in science, technology, and aerospace engineering [research-findings].
Technology
KAIST focuses on cutting-edge space technology research, specifically in the fields of satellite and aerospace engineering [research-findings].
Space Activity
The institution engages in advanced aerospace engineering and satellite development research [research-findings]. Its satellite portfolio includes NEONSAT-1, NEXTSAT-1, NEXTSAT-2, STSAT-1, STSAT-2, STSAT-3, KITSAT-1, KITSAT-2, and KITSAT-3 [research-findings]. It is also developing NEONSAT and ADRSat [research-findings].
Leadership
Dr. Jae-Hung Han, Director of KAIST Space Institute. Also Director of KAIST SaTReC.
Funding
Specific funding amounts are not available in the provided sources, as KAIST is categorized as a research university [research-findings].
Launch History
Rocket Lab mission record for KAIST
Most recent completed flight: Beginning Of The Swarm on Apr 23, 2024.
