Setrec Eye Develops World's Highest Resolution Satellite... First Strategic Space Business with Hanwha

Setrec-i Low Earth Orbit Earth Observation Satellite (Photo by Setrec-i)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Setrec Eye, the only domestic satellite system development and export company that received equity investment from Hanwha Aerospace, announced on the 18th that it will develop the world's highest resolution commercial Earth observation satellite, 'SpaceEye-T.'

This satellite is a high-performance Earth observation satellite weighing approximately 700 kg, featuring ultra-high resolution of 30 cm class and an observation width of 12 km. The 30 cm ultra-high resolution means that an object measuring 30 cm in width and length on the ground corresponds to one pixel, providing a resolution level capable of identifying the types of vehicles on roads from space.

Setrec Eye plans to develop and operate this satellite entirely with its own investment. Based on core technologies and experience accumulated and verified through domestic and international projects, the company aims to launch the satellite in early 2024. After launch, satellite operation and image commercialization will be handled by its subsidiary SIIS, while another subsidiary, SIA, will further advance Earth observation analysis solutions using ultra-high resolution images.

Earlier this year, Setrec Eye received equity investment from Hanwha Aerospace and is establishing a space development strategy with support from the Hanwha Space Hub team. The investment for the development and operation of this satellite is the first strategic space business jointly promoted by Hanwha and Setrec Eye.

Kim Ieul, CEO of Setrec Eye, said, "Setrec Eye has aimed to supply competitive satellite images and utilization services in the Earth observation market. As the first step, we have gained experience in the image sales market through the two subsidiaries we established and have completed the development of AI-based analysis solutions." He added, "Setrec Eye's challenge will continue as Korea's first satellite system development funded purely by private investment."

Through the development and operation of this satellite, Setrec Eye plans to actively develop a new business model that can provide integrated solutions by utilizing service platforms in the global Earth observation market. Setrec Eye was founded in 1999 by key personnel who developed Korea's first artificial satellite, UriByul-1, and has participated in more than 30 domestic and international projects to date.

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