Satellite with HTS and variable beam functions scheduled for launch in 2024
Research on satellite-5G linkage technology... '21 demonstration planned


As the new space era arrives in which private companies lead space development, the role and importance of satellite communications in providing uninterrupted networks are increasing.

On the 18th, KT SAT held a vision declaration ceremony at the KT SAT Geumsan Satellite Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and announced that it will leap forward as a platform-based comprehensive satellite service company.

◇ Next-generation satellite Mugunghwa Satellite 6A, targeting launch in 2024

At the declaration ceremony, KT SAT announced the plan for Mugunghwa Satellite 6A. Launched in 2010, Mugunghwa Satellite 6 has an expected lifespan of 15 years and is scheduled to end in 2025. 6A is the successor satellite to 6. It is scheduled to be launched as early as 2024.

KT SAT plans to apply High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology to Satellite 6A, which will increase data transmission throughput by more than 10 times compared to existing satellites, and is considering installing variable beam (S/W Defined Sat) technology that will allow coverage changes even after launch.

Equipped with variable beam technology, beam coverage can be changed even after launch, allowing communication services to be provided according to changing customer requests. It is also possible to install a repeater that will function as an auxiliary satellite for the Korean Precision GPS Augmentation System (KASS).

◇ Transition to a satellite-based platform operator

KT SAT, which has focused on providing relay services by viewing satellite communications as a complement to terrestrial networks, announced at the ceremony that day that it would leap forward as a satellite-based platform operator that provides services and solutions to the ocean and space, which are blind spots in communications.

KT SAT has secured a market share of over 70% in the domestic commercial ship market with an average annual growth rate of 20% in the MVSAT (maritime satellite communication) sector. Based on this, it plans to launch an integrated marine platform in the first half of 2021. Once the integrated platform is built, various solutions currently being provided, such as ship internet, email, CCTV, and ship operation management, can be implemented as a single server by combining them with MVSAT.

In addition, by utilizing the characteristics of satellites, it is advancing into overseas countries where wired communication is difficult. In particular, it is providing broadcasting and communication services to Southeast Asia, which has many islands. KT SAT plans to expand its influence to Arab countries and Mongolia in the future.

◇ Providing services to 5G remote areas and mobile devices via satellite

KT SAT is researching satellite and 5G linkage technology. Last November, together with KT Convergence Technology Institute, it succeeded in linking 5G commercial network and satellite communication network technology. On the 15th, KT Convergence Technology Institute and satellite environment-based test bed were built at Geumsan Satellite Center.

Starting in the second half of the year, KT SAT will conduct a Korea-EU joint research project at the Geumsan Satellite Center Testbed. Through this, it will carry out tasks related to linking satellites and 5G terminals, and plans to demonstrate video transmission via satellite 5G at the French Open tennis event in May next year.

When satellite and 5G linkage technology is commercialized, the bandwidth of the 5G network will expand. Accordingly, it is expected that uninterrupted 5G services will be provided via satellite in overseas regions where ground network construction is difficult and in mobile devices such as vehicles.

◇ Participation in national projects such as KASS and Korean GPS

KT SAT is participating in the 'Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS)' project promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

When KASS is built, the GPS error, which is currently at 30m, will be reduced to 1m, which requires two geostationary satellites and a ground station system. KT SAT is currently producing one KASS main satellite. It is scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2021, and trial services will begin in 2022.

In addition, KT SAT plans to participate in national projects such as the Korea Positioning System (KPS) and public complex communications satellite.