Gyeongsang National University to Play Key Role in Establishing Next-Generation Advanced Satellite Ground Station

Industry-Academia-Research-Government Cooperation Accelerates for Gyeongnam Space Industry Development
Privately Accessible Satellite Ground Station to Be Established by 2027

Gyeongsang National University is taking a central role in the establishment of the “Next-Generation Advanced Satellite Ground Station,” a key infrastructure project for the space industry in Gyeongsangnam-do, positioning itself as a major hub leading the era of Korea’s space economy.

On April 23, Gyeongsang National University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Gyeongsangnam-do, Jinju City, and Korea Testing Laboratory at the Situation Room of Jinju City Hall for the creation of a “Next-Generation Advanced Satellite Global Innovation Special Zone and the Promotion of the Space Industry in Gyeongnam.”

[Photo by Gyeongsang National University] Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jinju City, Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), and officials from companies related to the space industry are holding a commemorative photo with the agreement documents at the 'Business Agreement and Investment Agreement Signing Ceremony for the Promotion of the Space Industry in Gyeongsangnam-do' held at Jinju City Hall.

Representatives from satellite and space industry-related companies also attended the signing ceremony, formalizing plans to expand investment and cooperation. Participating companies included Ilchem, Genoco, GTL, and Hancom in Space.

The core of this agreement is to invest a total of 9.2 billion won by December 2027 to build a privately accessible “Next-Generation Advanced Satellite Ground Station” on the Gajwa Campus of Gyeongsang National University. This facility will perform satellite control, command transmission, reception and analysis of satellite data, and serve as a key infrastructure supporting the entire cycle of the small satellite industry from manufacturing to application.

Gyeongsang National University will play a leading role in the project, not only providing the land and constructing the ground station but also overseeing its overall operations in the future. In particular, by directly managing the construction and operation of the ground station control facility, the university will secure research and educational capabilities that encompass the collection, analysis, and utilization of satellite data.

As a result, the university is expected to become a practical hub connecting the space industry ecosystem, moving beyond its traditional role as a mere educational institution.

Once the ground station is established, local companies will be able to utilize satellite data without the need for costly investments in their own facilities. This is expected to enable the creation of new industries and business models in diverse fields, including disaster response, weather forecasting, autonomous driving, and national defense and security.

Additionally, the Gyeongnam region will be equipped with the foundation to develop into a space industry cluster that connects satellite design and manufacturing, ground station operation, and data utilization.

Gyeongsang National University has previously established a College of Aerospace to specialize in the aerospace field and has focused on research and training professionals in aerospace engineering and satellite technology. The construction of this ground station is evaluated as an opportunity to complete a professional training system that links theory with practice by adding practical infrastructure to the existing educational and research base.

[Photo by Gyeongsang National University] Panoramic view of Gyeongsang National University

In addition, as part of the investment agreement signed on that day, Ilchem, a company specializing in satellite battery packs, plans to invest approximately 10 billion won in the Jinju National Aerospace Industrial Complex and relocate its headquarters and research facilities there. This is also expected to create local jobs and revitalize the industry.

This project will be promoted in connection with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “Global Innovation Special Zone” policy and the Korea Aerospace Administration’s strategy for forming a space industry cluster. There are expectations that the industry-academic-research-government cooperation model centered around Gyeongsang National University will become a best practice for strengthening national competitiveness in the space industry.

President Kwon Jinhoe stated, “By building and operating the next-generation advanced satellite ground station, Gyeongsang National University will be directly responsible for the core infrastructure of the space industry,” and added, “We will play a central role in training aerospace professionals and fostering industries based on satellite data.”

He continued, “A sustainable space industry ecosystem can be realized only when local governments, industry, academia, research institutes, and public organizations work together organically. I hope this agreement will turn Gyeongnam’s potential into reality and serve as a starting point for a new leap forward in Korea’s space industry.”

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