Montreal-based aerospace and defence company RSAT Space Inc. and South Korean launch provider INNOSPACE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly pursue satellite launch and space system contracts in the North American market.
The agreement, announced April 27, outlines a framework to combine INNOSPACE’s launch vehicle capabilities with RSAT’s expertise in space systems integration, mission support, and infrastructure development.
While RSAT Space Inc. is a relatively new name in the Canadian space sector—having officially rebranded in December 2025—federal corporate records indicate the company has been operating under the leadership of CEO Gurvinder Chohan since 2019. Prior to founding the firm, Chohan served as the Senior Director, Commercial for the Asia-Pacific region at MDA/Maxar. He guided his current company through previous iterations as AQST Canada Inc. and QSTC Canada Inc., during which time it was integrated into a Teledyne Brown Engineering-led contract to design NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle.
This newly branded iteration of the company will focus on packaging satellite integration and mission support with dedicated, localized launch access for North American clients. To achieve this, the partnership will leverage INNOSPACE’s flagship rocket, the HANBIT-Nano. The two-stage small satellite launcher is designed to carry up to 90-kilogram payloads to a 500-kilometer orbit. The vehicle utilizes a hybrid rocket engine in its first stage, providing a structurally simplified and cost-effective alternative to traditional liquid-fueled rockets.
The MOU follows closely on the heels of a March Letter of Intent between INNOSPACE and Halifax-based Maritime Launch Services (MLS). While the MLS agreement provided the South Korean firm with potential domestic launch site access, the partnership with RSAT focuses on establishing the business and integration framework required to actively secure Canadian commercial, government, and defense payloads.
By partnering with a domestic aerospace and defense firm, INNOSPACE gains a localized conduit to navigate Canada’s procurement frameworks and national security requirements. Conversely, the agreement allows RSAT to offer a turnkey model to its clients, bridging the gap between satellite manufacturers and launch providers.
“This partnership establishes a reliable operational foundation to support regional repeat launch demand,” said Soojong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, regarding the company’s expansion into the Canadian market.
Gurvinder Chohan, CEO of RSAT Space, highlighted the operational benefits of bundling these services for regional clients. “This collaboration will expand flexible launch access and support the mission readiness of stakeholders across the global space ecosystem,” Chohan stated.