On November 27, Lumir announced that its On-Board Computer (OBC), developed in-house, was installed on the next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 3, the main payload launched into space aboard the Korean launch vehicle Nuri.
On this day, the fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri was successfully carried out at the Naro Space Center in Goheung. Immediately after launch, the next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 3 succeeded in a total of 14 two-way communications with the King Sejong Station in Antarctica and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute ground station, confirming that the main system was operating normally.
During this initial communication procedure, Lumir's On-Board Computer (OBC) was also verified to be operating stably, performing its internal component control and data processing functions as intended. The significance is heightened by the fact that the OBC has already demonstrated the reliability and performance required in an actual mission environment.
Lumir's On-Board Computer is equipped with a high-performance satellite processor, the Dual Core 32-bit LEON3 ASIC, which more than doubles the computational performance compared to existing satellite OBCs. This greatly contributes to the accuracy and stability of satellite missions, as well as to rapid information processing capabilities.
In addition, inter-board communication within the satellite is structured using SpaceWire, a next-generation satellite network technology. Compared to the conventional CAN communication method, this approach consumes less power and enables much faster and more stable data exchange. As a result, the real-time processing capability and integrated control performance of the entire satellite system have been further enhanced.
This On-Board Computer represents more than just a single device. It is not merely a component supply case, but an example of a private company securing core technology for the Korean satellite system, and it has high potential to be expanded as a platform-level technology applicable to multiple satellites in the future.
Lumir has already supplied Image Data Handling Units (IDHU) for the next-generation medium-sized satellites No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4. For satellite No. 3, the company provided the On-Board Computer (OBC), and for the currently developing No. 5, it has secured and is developing the entire C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system.
With this, Lumir has established itself as the only private company to supply core systems for the entire series of next-generation medium-sized satellites. This is also regarded as an example demonstrating that private companies can lead core technologies across the entire space industry cycle.
Lumir is growing as a 'satellite total solution' company encompassing satellite payload development, image processing, and ground station construction. The company is also accelerating the development of its ultra-high-resolution SAR satellite 'LumirX' and satellite constellation business. A Lumir official stated, "This launch symbolizes not just a technological success but an industrial turning point," adding, "With a sense of responsibility for the localization of key electronic components in Korean satellites, we will continue to grow for the independence and expansion of Korea's space industry."
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