The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Aerospace Administration announced on the 27th that they have selected three research institutions to develop a 6G (sixth generation) low Earth orbit satellite communication system as an international standard. Low Earth orbit satellite communication allows for high-speed internet access in areas with weak connectivity, such as oceans, airplanes, and the Arctic, by launching satellites into space.
The 6G low Earth orbit satellite communication payload and ground station were selected as research and development institutions, with the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) as the general managing institution collaborating with SOLiD for the terminal station and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the main body and system integration. A project operation committee will be established to oversee the project.
The Ministry of Science and ICT amended the frequency distribution table in February to supply the frequencies necessary for low Earth orbit satellite communication. It recently revised the enforcement decree of the Radio Wave Act to provide a legal basis for low Earth orbit satellite communication. The ministry aims to improve communication environments in underserved areas by implementing low Earth orbit satellite communication.
Minister Yoo Sang-im said, "Introducing low Earth orbit satellite communication will enable social media (SNS) or streaming in the cabin," adding, "Crew members aboard vessels on long voyages will be able to use online video services (OTT)." Korea Aerospace Administration Commissioner Yun Young-bin noted, "We will strengthen private-led development and create a technology ecosystem."