The Korea Aerospace Administration announced on the 15th that it will adjust the plan for the Korean PNT (Positioning, Navigation, Timing) system project called ‘KPS.’ The launch of KPS satellite No. 1 has been postponed by 20 months, and the KPS development project division will be integrated into Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to enhance management.
The Korea Aerospace Administration held the 5th Space Development Promotion Task Force meeting on the afternoon of the 15th, chaired by Administrator Yoon Young-bin, and noted that it reviewed and approved the adjustment plan for the development of KPS satellite No. 1.
The KPS development project aims to develop a satellite navigation system that provides ultra-precise positioning, navigation, and visual information near the Korean Peninsula. Currently, only six countries, including the United States, Russia, the European Union, China, India, and Japan, possess their own satellite navigation systems. The government commenced the KPS development project in 2022, aiming to become the seventh country in the world to have its own satellite navigation system. This is a large-scale national project with a total project cost of 3.7234 trillion won.
However, actual progress on the project has been slow. Delays in satellite development occurred due to improper design of the navigation payload system. Based on the inspection results, the Korea Aerospace Administration has decided to extend the development period for satellite No. 1 by 20 months. The launch of satellite No. 1 is now scheduled for September 2029. However, the plan to complete the deployment of all eight satellites by 2035 remains intact.
The project organization will also be reorganized. The KPS development project division has been an independent organization within KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute). Due to its independent status, proper management and support were lacking. The Korea Aerospace Administration plans to integrate the KPS development project division as a department directly under the KARI president. A Korea Aerospace Administration official stated, “With active administrative and financial resource input from KARI and efficient personnel allocation, it is expected that more professional project management and technology development will be possible.”
A review committee will also be formed with experts from research and development institutions, and the members and operational direction of the satellite navigation subcommittee under the Space Development Promotion Task Force will be restructured. Administrator Yoon Young-bin said, “In the future, the KPS will be developed without a hitch as a major infrastructure for revitalizing the space economy and realizing a space power, and the Korea Aerospace Administration will continue to provide unwavering support.”