Gwangju City to Launch 'AI Mobility Cubesat' Aboard Nuri Rocket in 2027

The AI-based cubesat "Gwangju AI Mobility Satellite (GAiMSat-1)," which is being developed under the leadership of Gwangju City, is set to be launched into space in 2027 aboard the sixth Nuri rocket. This satellite will collect data related to AI and next-generation mobility from its orbit and utilize it for the development of technologies such as autonomous driving and other next-generation mobility solutions.

Satellite. Provided by Gwangju City

On December 4, Gwangju City announced that GAiMSat-1 had been selected for the sixth Nuri rocket launch as a secondary payload, with support from the Korea Aerospace Administration and under the supervision of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The satellite will be completed by next year and launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, entering a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 530 kilometers.

The development of GAiMSat-1 is led by Gwangju City, with Chosun University overseeing the project. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Gwangju Technopark, Gwangju Future Automotive Mobility Promotion Institute, Artificial Intelligence Industry Convergence Project Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, and local companies such as Haeworks and SpaceLab. Key components, including the propulsion system and AI computing module, will use domestically produced products, raising the localization rate to 61%.

The satellite’s core mission is to demonstrate "onboard AI data processing technology," which is essential for analyzing the orbital environment and for real-time data selection and processing. Gwangju City plans to use the data collected by the satellite to develop environmental prediction and operational optimization models for future mobility technologies, such as urban air mobility (AAM) and autonomous driving.

Through the development of this satellite, Gwangju City aims to strengthen the connection between the AI/mobility industry and the aerospace sector, while also fostering local talent. Choi Taejo, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Industry Bureau of Gwangju City, stated, "The selection of the AI Mobility Satellite is a significant achievement in linking these two industries," adding, "It will contribute to the advancement of data-driven autonomous driving and precision navigation technologies."

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