Three domestic space startups have decided to collaborate for space medicine research. Space medicine is an industry that produces high-quality pharmaceuticals utilizing the microgravity environment of outer space.
The domestic space launch vehicle corporation INNOSPACE announced on the 9th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the space medicine corporation Space Rintek and the space exploration corporation Intergravity Technologies to cooperate in space medicine research and new drug development.
The three corporations will cooperate in researching transportation and recovery platforms (infrastructure) and devices necessary for the space medicine project through this agreement. INNOSPACE will secure technology for customized space launch vehicles for space medicine, Space Rintek will develop space medicine platforms, and Intergravity will develop orbital transport vessels and ground recovery technology.
Kim Su-jong, CEO of INNOSPACE, noted, "It is meaningful to have the opportunity to pioneer a new launch market in the field of space medicine, along with the development of a space launch vehicle for transporting space medicine modules," and added, "I expect this to serve as an important stepping stone leading to the diversification and expansion of the space industry." Yoon Hak-soon, CEO of Space Rintek, said, "We are taking the first step in creating a cooperation framework for the space pharmaceutical industry, which has limitless potential," and emphasized that "this also means Korea has established a foothold to be recognized as a major competitor in the intense global competition for new drug development in outer space."
Lee Gi-joo, CEO of Intergravity, stated, "Leading corporations have started the first step in establishing a space factory to produce pharmaceuticals in space," and added, "The three companies aim to rapidly demonstrate and create a space bio-logistics solution, hoping to produce future necessities in space."