Ministry of Science and ICT Launches 'KPS Development Strategy Report Meeting' with Industry-Academia-Research Experts on 26th
Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and Other Demand Companies Also Attend, Drawing Attention
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Korean Satellite Navigation System (GPS) project has officially commenced. It is the largest project ever, involving the launch of seven satellites into space over 14 years with a total investment of approximately 3.7 trillion KRW. The United States is expected to provide information that is far more precise and faster than free GPS, significantly impacting autonomous driving technology and smartphone usage.
On the 26th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held the 'KPS Development Strategy Report Meeting' at LIG Nex1 Daejeon House, chaired by Minister Lim Hye-sook, where key experts from industry, academia, and research institutes discussed the development and utilization strategies of the Korean GPS system.
KPS is the Korean space project with the largest budget and time investment to date. It is based on the judgment that a Korean GPS service providing ultra-precise positioning, navigation, timing, and information services as infrastructure for the 4th Industrial Revolution is necessary. Accordingly, the government established the KPS construction plan in the 3rd Basic Plan for Space Development Promotion in 2018. In May, during the Korea-US summit, an agreement was also reached to cooperate on KPS development with the United States.
In June, the preliminary feasibility study was passed, and from next year until 2035, a total of 3.72345 trillion KRW will be invested over 14 years to develop and build satellite systems, ground systems, and user systems, providing ultra-precise satellite navigation services to the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands. A total of seven satellites will be launched, starting with the first in 2027, with pilot services beginning in 2034, and satellite deployment completed in 2035.
At the report meeting, Minister Lim discussed the preparation status and future development strategies for KPS development with key experts from industry, academia, and research institutes ahead of the project launch next year. Major space companies such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha Corporation, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and KTsat presented their accumulated satellite navigation-related technologies, production facilities, desired participation areas, and future development strategies.
In particular, companies that necessarily use satellite navigation, such as Hyundai Motor Company and Samsung Electronics, also attended and proposed requests to be reflected in the KPS development based on their GPS usage experiences. Research institutes and academia provided opinions on the development and technology transfer of fundamental satellite navigation technologies and workforce training.
Minister Lim stated, “The KPS development project is an essential infrastructure construction project for the 4th Industrial Revolution, including autonomous vehicles, and as the largest space development program ever, it is expected to greatly contribute to expanding investment in Korea’s space sector and revitalizing the private space industry. We will steadily proceed with project preparations based on close collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutes to ensure the successful development of KPS.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
