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South Korea poised to expand space programme with new satellites for 6G communications and national security
- South Korea is a world leader in several tech sectors but its space programme lags behind that of neighbours China and Japan
- Limits on South Korea’s rocket development, which were imposed under a bilateral agreement with the US, were removed earlier this year
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South Korea’s space programme is set for a major boost with new satellites to keep it at the forefront of the 6G communications competition and more eyes in the sky for national security purposes, the science minister said.
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Lim Hye-sook said this means launching multitasking satellites on home-grown rockets, and eventually a mission to the moon.
“Space exploration will be the platform for new businesses,” said Lim, who received her doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Texas.
South Korea saw limits removed on its rocket development earlier this year when the US lifted restrictions in a bilateral agreement, which could help the country build more powerful rocket engines and quickly play catch-up in the commercial space business. US President Joe Biden and President Moon Jae-in ended bilateral missile guideline in May that had long restricted Seoul’s development of missiles to under the range of 800km.
One big test comes in October when South Korea plans to launch its three-stage Nuri rocket, a US$1.8 billion project designed to put a 1.5-ton satellite into a orbit about 600km to 800km above the Earth. It would be a major advancement over its two-stage Naro space vehicle built with domestic and Russian technology that was hit by delays and two failed launches before a successful flight in 2013 – carrying a 100kg research satellite.
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