HCT and ETRI Launch Joint Research on "Development of Core Source Technologies for Satellite Payloads"

"Securing Leadership in 6G and LEO Satellite Testing and Certification Infrastructure"
ETRI Joint Research Linked to Government-wide LEO Satellite Communication Strategy
Leading Standardization of Electromagnetic and Environmental Testing for Satellite Units

HCT Co., Ltd. (072990), a company specializing in testing, certification, and calibration, is joining forces with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) to initiate the development of 6G communications and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite testing and verification technologies.

This project, led by ETRI under the "Development of Core Source Technologies for Satellite Payloads" initiative, will see HCT participate as a joint research institution. HCT aims to strengthen its capabilities in space environment testing and verification technologies, including satellite payloads.

Researchers at HCT are conducting tests to verify the vacuum and thermal cycling performance of satellite components using a thermal vacuum chamber. Provided by HCT

With the recent launch of an inter-agency task force for LEO satellite communications—including the Ministry of Science and ICT, Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), and the Ministry of National Defense—government policy support is accelerating, and satellite-based communication infrastructure is rapidly emerging as a next-generation national strategic industry.

Global investment bank Goldman Sachs has forecast that the global satellite market will grow from approximately $15 billion today to about $108 billion by 2035. The bank also projected that LEO satellite communications will become a key pillar in 6G, aviation and maritime communications, mobility, and defense and public infrastructure sectors.

As the lead research institution, ETRI will be responsible for developing Q-band payloads and core components, integrated circuits, and terminals. Private companies will handle the development and testing of LEO satellite communication payload components, antennas, RFICs for terminals, as well as terminal antennas and modules.

HCT, having accumulated global testing and certification infrastructure along with expertise in 5G, automotive electronics, defense, and AI-based testing technologies, will use this project as a springboard to expand its business portfolio into the aerospace industry.

In particular, through this research, HCT plans to establish electromagnetic compatibility and environmental testing items and requirements for LEO satellite units, and to build a comprehensive testing and certification system applicable to the entire range of satellite payloads.

An HCT researcher is conducting a test to verify the performance of components in an electronic wave shield testing room dedicated to aerospace. Provided by HCT

Moreover, by analyzing global testing standards and promoting standardization initiatives, HCT aims to secure a first-mover advantage in the standardization of the satellite testing and certification sector.

Additionally, HCT will collaborate with research partners such as RFHIC Co., Ltd. (218410) and Anabatic Semi Co., Ltd. to jointly establish testing infrastructure for satellite payload components, including RFICs for Q-band satellite communications. This is a practical investment to bridge research outcomes with commercialization and is expected to serve as a foundation for future testing service business development.

An HCT representative stated, "By proactively securing satellite payload testing and certification capabilities through cooperation with ETRI and leading domestic innovators, we aim to become a key testing and certification platform connecting the domestic satellite industry supply chain," adding, "We will rise as a core player in the rapidly growing LEO satellite communications testing and certification market."

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