The development project of ‘Cheollian Satellite 5,’ which garnered attention as the first privately developed geostationary satellite in the country, has become embroiled in a controversy over fairness surrounding the awarding of contracts.
According to industry sources on the 22nd, LIG Nex1 has been selected as the preferred negotiation entity for the development project of the Cheollian 5 satellite system and main body, while its competitor, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), has officially raised objections.
The development of the Cheollian 5 satellite system and main body is a large-scale national research and development project that involves an investment of 323.8 billion won. If launched as planned in 2031, it will become the country’s third geostationary meteorological satellite. Meteorological satellites are referred to as geostationary satellites because they orbit at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, effectively remaining stationary over a single location.
A representative from the Korea Meteorological Industry Technology Institute, which announced the project, noted, 'We received KAI's objection on the 14th and are currently reviewing it internally,' adding, 'We will notify the results of the review within 30 days from the date of receipt of the objection, in accordance with regulations.'
KAI is reportedly claiming that LIG Nex1 lacks substantial experience in satellite main body development and does not have the necessary testing and assembly equipment, suggesting that the technical evaluation was not conducted properly.
Previously, KAI raised an objection regarding the evaluation results in the satellite navigation system (KPS) development project, claiming that it is incomprehensible that Korean Air received a contract despite not having been involved in satellite structure projects for more than 10 years, although the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) did not accept this, stating there were no issues.