Korean Air launches development of Korean regional GPS system

South Korea's national flag carrier Korean Air Lines Co. on Tuesday announced the start of its development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS), a regional satellite navigation system organized by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

The KPS project aims to create a GPS system with high precision and reliability, with the deployment of eight satellites in geostationary orbits expected by 2035. The system will provide centimeter-level location information to South Korea and surrounding regions.

In peacetime, the KPS will be compatible with the commercial GPS of the US. In emergency times, it will provide positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information solely through its satellite navigation system.

Korean Air will start by developing the structures and mechanisms subsystem for KPS satellite No. 1 in 2025 and plans to concentrate its enterprisewide efforts to launch subsequent KPS satellites by 2035.

Since 2021, the company has been involved in the development of key satellite components, including vehicle common bulkhead propellant tanks for small launch vehicles and 3-ton engines. It has also partnered with Boeing and Airbus to develop technologies related to satellite structural systems, such as composite sandwich panels.

"We aim to use our satellite development technology, expertise, and aerospace composite fabrication and assembly facilities to become a leader in the private space industry, including actively participating in the development of moon landing satellites," said an official from Korean Air.

Write to Jae-Fu Kim at hu@hankyung.com
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