“Hyperspectral technology is more than just a technological innovation — it marks the beginning of a new industry that will read the Earth through data and design the future”

Professor Sung-Chul Yoon of Seoul National University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Co-CEO of aerospace startup SPEX, made this remark in describing the company’s vision. SPEX is developing high-resolution imaging spectroscopy that can decompose and analyze hundreds of wavelengths simultaneously, providing satellite observation solutions applicable to precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and national security.

SPEX’s Co-CEO, Dr. Woong-Seob Jeong of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), led the development of the world’s first wide-field infrared hyperspectral space telescope, the Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NISS), and also participated in NASA’s SPHEREx project. Leveraging this expertise, SPEX is emerging as a private-sector alternative to the technology monopoly long dominated by NASA and ESA. The company is currently testing prototypes and plans to showcase them at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) this September.

To strengthen its global competitiveness, SPEX has brought in key strategic talent. Dr. So-Yeon Yi, Korea’s first astronaut, has joined as Global Business Director (GBD) to lead overseas partnerships and market expansion, while Dr. Kang-Hwan Lee, former Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Science and ICT, has become Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), overseeing commercialization and policy integration. SPEX was also selected for the government’s Deep-tech TIPS program, securing KRW 1.5 billion in R&D funding.