[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Hanwha Systems and Satrec Initiative announced on the 24th that they are jointly participating in the development of a microsatellite (SAR). The Korean government is currently developing microsatellites under 100kg in collaboration with private companies, and Hanwha Systems and Satrec Initiative are participating together in this project.
Hanwha Systems is developing the satellite system integration and the synthetic aperture radar payload, while Satrec Initiative is responsible for developing the satellite bus. The two companies are focusing on creating the microsatellite in a lightweight and flat "rectangular panel" form, unlike the conventional cylindrical shape.
Through miniaturization and weight reduction, the companies are developing technology to enhance performance, simplify the form, and load as many satellites as possible onto a single launch vehicle. In particular, since Hanwha Aerospace acquired shares in Satrec Initiative last January, cooperation on this technology to increase payload capacity has accelerated.
SpaceX, a global leader in the microsatellite market, has significantly reduced the size of satellites to about 20kg per unit. Technologies that enable satellites to be smaller, lighter, and more numerous are emerging as new technological trends in the global satellite market.
Kwon Sejin, director of the KAIST Satellite Research Center, stated, "The synergy between Hanwha, a large company with a global network, and Satrec Initiative, a venture company with specialized technology, is expected to accelerate private space development," adding, "It will also be a great help in entering the global market."
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