KT, KAI and KT Sat sign MOU to develop 6G satellite systems

Mobile carrier KT signed a deal on Sunday with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and its affiliate KT Sat to jointly develop low-orbit satellite communications systems for sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology.

From left, KT Sat CEO and President Seo Young-soo, KAI CEO and President Kang Goo-young and KT CEO and President Kim Young-shub pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on developing low-orbit satellite communications systems using sixth-generation wireless technology. [KOREA AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES]

Mobile carrier KT signed a deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and its affiliate KT Sat to jointly develop low-orbit satellite communications systems for sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology, a sector currently dominated by global businesses Space X and Amazon’s Kuiper Systems.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Oct. 31, the three companies will develop the core technology for communications satellites such as 6G low-orbit satellites and manned and unmanned systems, KAI said Sunday. The three are joining forces to build Korea’s ecosystem in the industry to compete against overseas firms as the 6G market size is projected to grow larger.

KT will work on creating technology that allows satellite communications systems to more efficiently link with wireless networks. KT Sat will obtain on-site knowledge for operating low-orbit satellite systems to launch a service that combines networks from low and geostationary orbit satellites.

Aerospace and defense company KAI will develop the low-orbit satellite system and the manned and unmanned systems that will use 6G satellite communications and lead military involvement.

Communications through low-orbit satellites can be utilized even at sea and during aviation, places that had been considered difficult for mobile communications, according to KAI. The project is key to operate the next generation of airborne combat systems and unmanned vehicles such as autonomous aerial vehicles (AAV) or those piloted by AI, KAI said.

The Korean government has been investing in 6G research and development with the goal of launching 6G low-orbit satellites by 2030.

The respective CEOs and presidents of KAI, KT and KT Sat — Kang Goo-young, Kim Young-shub and Seo Young-soo — were present for the signing of the MOU.

“Along with the Korea AeroSpace Administration’s launch, we will venture into the global satellite communications market for the goal of advancing space-related businesses that are led by private funding,” KAI CEO Kang said through KAI’s news release.

"We will establish an integrated manned and unmanned system that utilizes 6G low-orbit satellites through this strategic partnership with the KT group and aim to export satellites," Kang said.

“Ground and satellite networks co-exist in the upcoming age of 6G," KT CEO Kim said. "The leading companies in mobile communication and satellite communication will head Korea's 6G low-orbit satellite communications market."

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]