Kolon Spaceworks Accelerates E...

▷ Secures a stable domestic supply chain by independently developing 'Towpreg', previously monopolized by foreign vendors
▷ Expands application to space launch vehicles following mass-production validation in hydrogen tanks for mobility
▷ Accelerates defense market expansion by securing integrated manufacturing capabilities from materials to components

Kolon Spaceworks (CEO Ahn Sanghyun), an advanced composite materials solution company under the Kolon Group, is accelerating its expansion into the space and defense markets, following mobility, based on its independently developed composite material 'Towpreg'.

Kolon Spaceworks is demonstrating the technological excellence of Towpreg by supplying key components to South Korea's domestic private space launch vehicle projects. Following its component supply in 2023 for 'HANBIT-TLV', a test launch vehicle developed by private space launch company Innospace, the company will supply composite pressure tanks for 'SEBIT', a multi-purpose suborbital rocket scheduled for launch at the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil on August 19. Additionally, Kolon Spaceworks will supply core components-including pressure tanks and motor case chambers-for the small satellite launch vehicle 'HANBIT-Nano', which is scheduled for launch in November.

Towpreg is an intermediate material produced by pre-impregnating carbon fibers with adhesive resin, serving as a critical component that determines the performance of final parts. It is utilized across a wide range of composite parts manufactured via the filament winding process*, including high-pressure vessels such as hydrogen storage tanks and CNG fuel tanks, as well as space launch vehicle motor cases, pressure tanks, and structures for guided weapons. Because it must withstand harsh operating environments featuring high pressure, extreme temperatures, and severe vibrations, precise material design and uniform quality control are required. Due to high technological barriers, the market was historically monopolized by a small number of overseas companies. To establish a stable domestic supply chain, Kolon Spaceworks initiated development in 2018 and successfully achieved technological independence.

Prior to its application in space launch vehicles, Kolon Spaceworks demonstrated real-world performance and quality reliability by applying Towpreg to the mass production of hydrogen storage tanks for Tata Daewoo Mobility's hydrogen-engine trucks. By continuously refining the product using data accumulated during mass production, the company secured competitiveness equivalent to or exceeding global market leaders in major core specifications.

Building on its achievements with space launch vehicles, Kolon Spaceworks plans to fully scale up its business expansion into the defense sector. The company recently completed internal R&D for defense applications and intends to establish an unmatched position in the advanced defense market-where high-performance composite materials are essential-based on its integrated manufacturing capability spanning material development, design, molding, and final component production.

Ahn Sanghyun, CEO of Kolon Spaceworks, stated, "By completing R&D for defense applications using our independently developed Towpreg, we have established a foundation to continuously expand the localization of core materials and components." He added, "Moving forward, we will strengthen our world-class product competitiveness across high-tech industries such as space and defense."

Meanwhile, officially launched in 2024, Kolon Spaceworks is building an integrated technology platform that encompasses material development, design, and manufacturing across high-tech industries including aerospace, mobility, defense, and space, solidifying its position as a key partner in future industries.

[Reference] Filament Winding Process: An advanced composite manufacturing method in which resin-coated fibers are wound in multiple layers around a rotating mold to produce pressure vessels and structural components.