[Market Focus] Daehan Fiberoptics Overcomes Limits with LEO Satellite Optical Fiber... Enters Commercialization Verification Phase for Aerospace

Daehan Fiberoptics is showing strong performance. As space-related stocks are on the rise, there appears to be growing interest in the company’s radiation-resistant optical fiber technology currently under development. Daehan Fiberoptics introduced this technology as one that is directly linked to national core infrastructure, such as space communications and nuclear power plant safety. The company also stated that there is a possibility the technology could be classified as a national strategic technology or key material, and that its connection to government-level policies for technological self-sufficiency and supply chain stabilization is currently under consideration.

As of 10:27 a.m. on January 20, Daehan Fiberoptics was trading at 3,160 won, up 3.78% from the previous day.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has moved its rocket to the launch pad for the Artemis program’s second phase mission to send astronauts to the moon. The launch is expected to take place in early February. This will be the first time in 54 years that American astronauts are heading to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Space-related stocks such as Green Optics, Contec, and AP Satellite are all soaring.

Last month, Daehan Fiberoptics confirmed the core performance of its radiation-resistant optical fiber technology. The company has officially entered the performance verification phase for commercialization in the aerospace sector, including 6G satellite communications. As the technology demonstrated stable characteristics even in high-radiation environments, there is growing evaluation that it could be applied to next-generation satellite communication infrastructure markets.

The next-generation 6G communication environment is expected to evolve into a form that combines ground-based networks with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In order to dramatically increase data capacity and transmission speeds between the ground and satellites, laser-based optical communication technology is emerging as an essential element. Accordingly, the application of optical fiber components such as optical amplifiers and lasers within satellite internal communication systems is rapidly expanding. However, the high radiation levels unique to the space environment have long acted as a limiting factor for the long-term use of conventional optical fibers.

The radiation-resistant optical fiber being developed by Daehan Fiberoptics is evaluated as a technology that overcomes these technical limitations. It has been confirmed that the increase in loss remains at a lower level compared to competitors, even as the amount of radiation exposure increases. In particular, the 100-167 kGy range is a test condition that simulates extreme radiation environments such as space and nuclear power plants, and stable performance in this range demonstrates the technology’s potential for actual space applications. Compared to products from competitors that are rated as global leaders, the increase in loss is also more gradual.

The global market environment is also favorable. The private space industry is rapidly expanding, especially in the United States, and with major companies such as SpaceX increasing satellite launches and their corporate value, investment in satellite communication infrastructure is accelerating. As the number of low Earth orbit satellites increases, demand for in-satellite optical communications, optical amplifiers, and sensing optical fibers is also expected to expand structurally. Accordingly, Daehan Fiberoptics’ radiation-resistant optical fiber technology is expected to directly benefit from the expansion of next-generation satellite communication infrastructure.

Radiation-resistant optical fiber is also attracting attention as a core technology in the nuclear power sector. Nuclear power plants and nuclear waste disposal facilities must continuously monitor the safety of structures in high-radiation environments, but conventional electrical sensors have limitations in such applications. While fiber-optic sensing offers the advantage of detecting a wide area with precision, conventional optical fibers suffer from reduced durability due to increased loss when exposed to radiation. Radiation-resistant optical fiber overcomes these limitations, and is highly regarded for its potential as a key material for nuclear power safety infrastructure.

Daehan Fiberoptics is conducting a paid-in capital increase to raise initial operating funds needed to establish its own optical fiber production system for stable business operations in the U.S. market. Subscription for existing shareholders will take place on February 25.