KAI Signs Agreement with KAIST for Cooperation in Satellite Development

The KAI Space Center in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a business agreement with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on Jan. 18 for cooperation in satellite development.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will jointly develop small and ultra-small satellite systems and ground stations and parts for small and ultra-small satellites. They will also seek to commercialize their technologies and share equipment.

In general, small satellites mean satellites weighing less than 500 kilograms. Ultra-small satellites usually weigh less than 100 kilograms. It takes a short period of time and a small amount of money to develop and produce both types of satellites. In particular, if companies put many small satellites at low orbits and link them to existing medium- and large-sized satellites, they can significantly increase communication speed.

Until now, KAI has secured technology and know-how in satellite development by participating in various mid-sized and large satellite projects, including Korea Multi-Purpose Satellites (KOMPSAT, Arirang) 1 to 7, a geo-stationary multi-purpose satellite, the first private-led mid-sized next-generation satellite, and a defense satellite.

In August 2020, KAI set up the KAI Space Center, the nation’s largest private space center, in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, and has been engaged in satellite development, production, assembly and tests at the center.