Korean-Style 'Space Traffic Control Tower' Launched... AI to Predict Collision Risks First

Korea has taken its first step toward building a Korean-style “space traffic control tower” that can anticipate collision and crash risks in space. With the full-scale development of the national Space Situational Awareness System (K-SSA), in which artificial intelligence (AI) predicts the movements of space objects and surveillance satellites track dangers in real time from low Earth orbit, a core infrastructure is expected to be established that will simultaneously support both space sovereignty and the private space industry ecosystem.

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) announced on April 16 that it will hold a kick-off meeting on April 17 for the launch of the new research and development (R&D) project “National Space Situational Awareness System (K-SSA) Development,” which will be officially promoted as of 2026. The project will run from 2026 to 2030 with a total budget of 48 billion won (4 billion won allocated for 2026). The lead institution for the project is the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

K-SSA Conceptual Diagram. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)

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The core of this project is to establish a Korean-style SSA system that combines space-based surveillance and AI analysis, overcoming the limitations of conventional ground-based observation systems, which were restricted by nighttime and weather conditions. Not only will this system protect public safety and national satellites from the risks of space object crashes and collisions, but it will also serve as a national strategic infrastructure to secure leadership in the future space traffic management (STM) market.

The key initiative is the development of two microsatellites equipped with optical sensors for SSA purposes. KASA aims to establish Korea’s first real-time space object monitoring and tracking satellite network, with both satellites scheduled to enter orbit in the second half of 2029.

These satellites will track space objects in real time in low Earth orbit, where national space assets are concentrated, enabling early identification of collision probabilities and crash risks. By filling the blind spots of conventional ground surveillance, this will advance the national space surveillance system to the next level.

Conceptual diagram of space surveillance infrastructure using two microsatellites. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)

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Furthermore, surveillance satellites, ground-based observation infrastructure, and monitoring information secured through cooperation with advanced space nations such as the United States and Europe will be linked via an integrated management system based on private cloud infrastructure. The project will also convert the sporadically managed public and private space object information into a standardized national data system.

Another pillar of the project is AI and machine learning-based space hazard prediction technology. By applying independently developed algorithms to increase the accuracy of space object orbit determination and collision analysis, the new system is expected to enable faster and more precise early response compared to existing methods.

KASA plans to release the collected surveillance data as public data, as long as it does not compromise national security or public safety. This is expected to lay the groundwork for the domestic growth of data-driven SSA and STM industries, such as private collision avoidance solutions, satellite operation services, space insurance, and orbit analysis.

Kwon Hyunjun, Director General for Aerospace Policy at KASA, stated, “This project is a strategic cornerstone for securing Korea’s autonomous space surveillance capability and defending our space sovereignty. Based on the core technologies and platforms developed here, we will lay the foundation for the Republic of Korea to emerge as a leading nation in the global space economy.”

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