Korea should work to develop LEO satellite system for nat'l security: experts

Korea should take the initiative in developing a homegrown low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications system for its national security, experts said Wednesday.

Kang Chung-ku, an electronics professor at Korea University in Seoul, stressed the importance of homegrown LEO satellite communications systems at a satellite communications technology conference hosted by the Central Radio Management Service (KCMS) under the Ministry of Science and ICT.

"We need to create our own unique network system to avoid relying on Starlink or other services from foreign companies," he said, noting the LEO satellite system can help the advancement of the defense and communications industries.

Starlink, a high-speed internet service provided by SpaceX using LEO satellites, and its British rival OneWeb are expected to soon offer global service coverage.

To compete against the first movers, Korea needs to strengthen international cooperation and create a global alliance to develop and operate a constellation of satellites, he added.

Earlier this year, the country unveiled its plan to launch two homegrown LEO satellites based on sixth-generation communications network technology by 2030.

Kim Jeong-sam, director general of the KCMS, also said the country should approach the matter from the perspective of "national security," calling for measures to strengthen its competitiveness in the global LEO satellite market. (Yonhap)