"'The Era of Space Security' Begins... Opening of Surveillance and Reconnaissance Specialized Research Center"

Opening of the Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance Technology Specialized Research Center
22.1 Billion KRW Invested... "Development of Satellite Network Connection Technology"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] A specialized research center to strengthen our military's 'space surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities' has opened.

On the 2nd, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the opening of the 'Heterogeneous Constellation Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance Technology Specialized Research Center' at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). A Heterogeneous Constellation refers to a collection of multiple heterogeneous satellites equipped with various mission payloads.

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 'Heterogeneous Satellite Constellation Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance Technology Specialized Research Center' Plaque Ceremony
Photo by Defense Acquisition Program Administration

The center is tasked with researching fundamental technologies in design and operation to connect multiple satellites equipped with diverse equipment, reflecting the trend of satellite miniaturization and networking. The military authorities plan to invest approximately 22.1 billion KRW by 2028 to research foundational technologies for connecting and operating multiple different satellite constellations.

To this end, four specialized research labs within the center will carry out 14 detailed projects. Professional personnel from 14 universities including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Chosun University, as well as four companies including LIG Nex1, will participate centered around KAIST, the lead research institution.

The opening of this center was promoted through DAPA's 'Specialized Research Center Program.' This program establishes centers in industries, universities, and research institutes to intensively support research in specific technological fields. Its main objectives are to integrate the technological potential of excellent researchers into defense technology development, secure core technologies in the defense sector, and foster and expand the related workforce.

Conceptual Diagram of Research on Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance Technology for Heterogeneous Satellite Constellations
[Photo by Defense Acquisition Program Administration]

This program began in 1994, and the 'Heterogeneous Constellation Space Surveillance and Reconnaissance Technology Specialized Research Center' is the 35th center. Notably, it is the second specialized research center in the space-related field, following the 'Reusable Unmanned Spacecraft Advancement Technology Specialized Research Center' opened at Seoul National University in December last year.

DAPA currently operates seven centers and plans to open two additional specialized research centers within the first half of this year. This is to establish a foundation for defense technology development and continuously encourage the participation of excellent personnel.

Um Dong-hwan, Administrator of DAPA, stated, "We are striving to enable defense to play a central role in national space development and the leap of the space industry," adding, "We will generously support the active utilization of advanced space technologies in the defense sector."