KT SAT expands satellite control expertise toward LEO and 6G

KT SAT’s Yongin Satellite Control Center has maintained continuous 24-hour operations for 32 years, managing five geostationary (GEO) satellites, including the Mugunghwa series (K5, K6, K7, K5A, and K6A). To ensure zero downtime, the company utilizes a dual-control system with a primary center in Yongin and a secondary center in Daejeon.

The facility is transitioning its expertise from GEO satellites to prepare for the era of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations and 6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This evolution involves implementing AI-driven automation to manage the increased workload of large-scale satellite fleets, focusing on automated anomaly detection and collision avoidance.

Additionally, KT SAT is advancing the localization of satellite control technology. In collaboration with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the company has successfully applied localized flight dynamics subsystems to newer satellites. The company also demonstrated technical proficiency by repurposing the K6 satellite, repositioning it from a northern hemisphere orientation to serve the southern hemisphere after its original design life concluded.