Hanwha and KAIST Establish Korea's Largest Private-University Space Research Center

100 Billion Investment Through SpaceHub... Research and Development in the Space Sector

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Hanwha’s Space Hub, which oversees the company’s space industry, has established a space research center in collaboration with KAIST. It is the largest space research center in Korea jointly created by a private company and a university.

Hanwha announced on the 17th that it will invest 10 billion KRW in the research center, which will be established directly under the KAIST Vice President for Research.

Space Hub, launched in March as the headquarters overseeing space business, includes participation from Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Corporation, and Satrec Initiative. The first research project between Space Hub and KAIST is the development of low Earth orbit satellite communication technology called ISL (Inter-Satellite Link). ISL is an essential technology for implementing communication services using low Earth orbit satellites. The core is transmitting data between satellites using ‘laser’ technology.

Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, low Earth orbit satellites equipped with ISL technology can exchange data via laser among multiple satellites, enabling the rapid processing of large volumes of data.

Additionally, it will enable internet supply on airplanes and ships in operation, as well as in remote areas without electricity. This technology can be directly applied to the satellite communication and air mobility business promoted by Hanwha Systems.

Companies like the US-based SpaceX are also focusing on ISL development. This is because the space industry requires astronomical investments but offers immediate economic benefits. This is why the global private space development sector is fiercely competing in the ISL development race.

Alongside the ISL project, the space research center will study various technologies to accelerate private space development and satellite commercialization. These include launch vehicle technology, satellite attitude control, observation technology, and space energy technology. The center will also actively foster talent needed for new projects.

KAIST’s research office stated, "This is significant as it goes beyond simple industry-academia cooperation to develop practical commercialization technologies," adding, "It will be a turning point for Korea’s space industry as it enters a new space era led by the private sector.”