KAI to Launch Next-Generation Medium Satellite No. 2 Next Year... Aiming to Establish Independent Value Chain

A KAI engineer is conducting environmental testing and evaluation on the second next-generation medium-sized satellite.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plans to launch the second next-generation medium-sized satellite in January next year, following the first satellite's successful initial communication with the domestic ground station. If the launch succeeds next year, it is expected to mark the beginning of a civilian-led 'New Space' era.

According to industry sources on the 23rd, KAI is leading the development of the second satellite by applying technology transferred from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). KAI is overseeing the entire development process, from satellite system design to main body development, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and launch, with a planned launch in January next year.

The next-generation medium-sized satellite development project involves independently developing five 500 kg-class medium-sized satellites domestically. The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 for developing satellites 1 and 2, and Phase 2 for satellites 3 to 5. The Phase 2 project utilizes the 500 kg-class standard platform established in Phase 1 to domestically develop three satellites for space science research, agriculture and forestry, and water resource monitoring.

The third medium-sized satellite will be launched aboard the Korean launch vehicle to verify the launch vehicle's satellite launch capability and will be used for space science research. The fourth satellite will be used for periodic crop monitoring and agricultural and food security purposes, while the fifth will be used for forest monitoring, water resource management, and abnormal climate response. Satellites 3 and 4 are scheduled for launch in 2023, and satellite 5 in 2025.

To this end, KAI completed the production system by establishing the country's largest private space center capable of simultaneously assembling six medium-to-large satellites in August last year. KAI emphasized, "This is significant as the first step of New Space led by the private sector in the domestic space industry."

Additionally, to expand the business area to small satellites, KAI signed a business agreement with KAIST in the small satellite field. Through this, KAI plans to integrate small and microsatellite technologies with medium and large satellite capabilities to establish a satellite mass production system.

Goal to Build an Independent Value Chain to Lead New Space

KAI aims to build an independent value chain to lead New Space, starting with the next-generation medium-sized satellite development project.

KAI plans to strengthen cooperation with research institutions possessing core original technologies, form partnerships with related companies holding original payload technologies, and establish strategic cooperation with service providers processing satellite observation data.

KAI stated that it is consolidating related capabilities to grow into a total solution provider, including satellite manufacturing, ground station entry, and satellite utilization services, expanding its space business. Once the value chain promoted by KAI is established, it is expected to secure price competitiveness not only in the domestic market but also in overseas markets.

KAI is currently promoting export package deals including commercial satellites when exporting domestically produced aircraft. Since the aircraft and satellite export markets often overlap, visible results from ongoing export consultations are expected within this year. The 500 kg-class next-generation medium-sized satellite is evaluated to have secured international competitiveness in terms of cost and performance compared to similar satellites from other countries.

A KAI official said, "Simultaneously pursuing aviation and space businesses is a major advantage of KAI," adding, "With the price competitiveness secured through the establishment of KAI's independent value chain, satellite exports will definitely succeed."

Meanwhile, KAI believes that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector can also be integrated into the satellite value chain. Since satellites, like UAVs, are controlled from the ground for observation and reconnaissance purposes and process acquired image data, it is expected that synergy effects will be created between UAVs and satellites once the satellite value chain is established.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.