[Edaily Reporter Kang Min-gu] As SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, moves forward with the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, interest in the private space sector is growing, and attention is focused on whether this will have a positive impact on the domestic space industry as a whole.

Currently, companies in various sectors of the space industry—including satellites, launch vehicles, and materials—are listed on the stock market. #Satrec-i, a leading satellite company, is expanding its business beyond satellite manufacturing to become an imagery data platform provider. #Contech, a space ground station service provider, has recorded profits for two consecutive quarters and is continuing negotiations to build global ground stations alongside securing new ground station service contracts.

#InnoSpace has secured launch service sales partners with nine companies across seven countries—including Taiwan, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, the U.S., Germany, and the U.K.—and is challenging the commercial launch market based on its hybrid rocket technology. In addition, companies such as #HVM, #FiberPro, #Kencoa Aerospace, #Nara Space Technology, and #Lumir are also cited as beneficiaries of the space industry.

The investment industry is also paying close attention to the potential of unlisted companies. In particular, the rapid growth of in-orbit operation service providers stands out. Intergravity secured 8 billion won in investment during its Pre-A round this year. Walker Space also completed a 9 billion won Pre-A investment last December and is accelerating the development of in-orbit servicing robotic satellites alongside facility investments.

Some companies are also moving toward an IPO. TelePix, a space AI service provider, is aiming for a technology-based listing this year. Launch vehicle startup Unastella finalized a 33.5 billion won Series B investment this month.

Notably, Altos Ventures has included space sector companies in its portfolio for the first time. An Altos Ventures official explained, “The Korean space industry is currently undergoing a structural transition,” adding, “During such a transition, execution capabilities and speed—demonstrated by actually carrying out a launch—determine a company’s value, which is why we decided to invest in Unastella, which has achieved an independent launch in Korea.”

The representative added, “Korea has already established world-class manufacturing and engineering capabilities in fields such as semiconductors, precision manufacturing, batteries, and materials, which serve as a direct foundation for launch vehicle engines and satellite components.” They continued, “With global demand for small satellite launches growing rapidly, if a team with proven manufacturing capabilities and execution skills comes together, Korea can certainly rise to become a global player.”