The Korean Positioning System (KPS) project to establish a Korean satellite navigation system has been placed on the operating table. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KAI) plans to reorganize its independent project team directly under the president and establish a satellite navigation system that aligns with global trends by combining satellites in various orbits.
According to the science and technology community on the 2nd, the Korea Space Agency has prepared an improvement plan for the KPS project. It was initially expected to be presented as an agenda item to the Aerospace Promotion Working Committee around the end of March, but the announcement has been delayed. A Korea Space Agency official noted, "This is a project with many stakeholders, so the schedule has been delayed while gathering various opinions on the improvement plan," adding, "Once the improvement plan is finalized, we will hold a working committee meeting to address it as a standalone agenda item."
A satellite navigation system determines location by measuring the time it takes for signals sent from three or more satellites to reach a receiver. Since the speed of light is constant, knowing the time allows for calculating the distance to the satellite. Signals from at least three satellites are required to ascertain the three-dimensional X, Y, Z coordinates.
The KPS project is aimed at creating a unique satellite navigation system exclusive to Korea. The Global Positioning System (GPS), which is regarded as synonymous with satellite navigation systems, is a system created by the United States. Russia (GLONASS) and the European Union (Galileo) have also developed their own satellite navigation systems, and countries like China, Japan, and India are establishing satellite navigation systems that can be used domestically, even if they do not cover the entire globe.
GPS was initially developed by the United States for military purposes and was opened to civilians after the Korean Air passenger airplane shootdown incident in 1983. While Korea uses the U.S. GPS, the need for developing an independent satellite navigation system is growing. A source involved in the KPS project stated, "Given recent developments under the Trump administration in the U.S., it appears that GPS could be weaponized at any time," emphasizing that "an independent satellite navigation system is absolutely necessary for security reasons."
The KPS project, which began in 2022, is a large-scale national project with an investment of 3.7234 trillion won. The target for operation is 2035. To achieve this, eight satellites must be launched from 2027 sequentially, including five low Earth orbit satellites for broadcasting navigation signals and three geostationary satellites, and a ground station system must also be established.
The issue lies in the lack of experience in producing satellites equipped with satellite navigation systems domestically. The process of importing from abroad has delayed contracts compared to the initial plan, causing sequential delays in the project. The Korea Space Agency and KAI plan to postpone the first satellite launch by over a year. A Korea Space Agency official stated, "Even if the satellite launches are sequentially delayed, we will ensure that the goal of operating the KPS by 2035 is not impeded."
Currently, the Korea Space Agency is forming a review committee consisting of satellite navigation experts to carefully evaluate the KPS project from the beginning. Given its scale as a major national project, the goal is to rectify any issues to ensure successful project execution.
Experts involved in the Korea Space Agency and the review committee indicate that the project operating system will change. The Korea Space Agency sees the operation of the KPS Development Headquarters by KAI's independent project team as problematic. The KPS Development Headquarters, composed of around 50 members, is under KAI but operates as an independent project team, hence not subject to the control or supervision of the KAI president.
A source familiar with the KPS project stated, "Due to the operation of the KPS project as an independent project team, no one has taken responsibility, and necessary support or collaboration with other ministries has not been carried out smoothly." The Korea Space Agency is considering plans to restructure the KPS Development Headquarters into an internal organization rather than an independent project team, allowing the KAI president to take on authority and responsibility in driving the project.
The Korea Space Agency plans to begin detailed design work for the KPS ground system within this year and initiate the construction of ground system sites. The KPS ground system will be built not only in Korea but also in various regions, including Australia. Development of user systems to utilize the precise location information provided by KPS in actual industrial sectors will also commence.
In particular, the development of a cluster satellite system to reinforce KPS will also begin. A multi-layer orbital navigation system that utilizes satellites in various orbits, including low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, is planned to enhance the accuracy of KPS information and fill service gaps.
A Korea Space Agency official noted, "We are preparing improvement plans that are more efficient than the existing project execution system and that can strengthen communication with stakeholders," adding, "We will closely advance the overall schedule of the project and ensure that the actual service opening date for the public remains unchanged."