The development of a microsatellite system capable of monitoring crisis situations on the Korean Peninsula and adjacent waters has officially entered the development stage.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the National Space Organization, and the Korea Coast Guard held the “Microsatellite System Detailed Design Review Meeting” in Busan from April 2 to 4 to check whether the design meets the required performance. Through this, they officially confirmed the feasibility of transitioning to prototype production, system integration, and testing stages.
This multi-department collaboration project, being executed from 2022 to 2030 with a total investment of 1.4223 trillion won, is led by the Agency for Defense Development. Numerous research institutions, including the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, National Security Research Institute, and Satellite Research Institute, are participating.
Upon completion, the microsatellite will be utilized as a core asset of the military’s Kill Chain capability and the Korea Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) system. MDA is a system that detects threats at sea early and responds preemptively.
Based on the detailed design, the production of the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) verification satellite flight model will begin, and after undergoing ground tests, it will be launched in the latter half of 2026. Subsequently, the SAR cluster satellites and EO (Electro-Optical) satellites are planned to be launched sequentially.
Jung Kyu-heon, Head of the Space Command and Communication Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, stated, “The development of the microsatellite system is proceeding normally, and we are reviewing the construction of a civilian-military integrated operation center and joint operation plans.”
Kim Jin-hee, Head of the Satellite Division at the National Space Organization, mentioned, “Through this meeting, we have confirmed whether the satellite system’s performance meets the criteria, and we will support its development to safeguard national infrastructure and foster the space industry.”
Yeo Seong-su, Director of the Coast Guard’s Inspection Bureau, remarked, “We will enhance maritime surveillance capabilities using microsatellites to contribute to safeguarding maritime sovereignty and ensuring public safety.”