Koreasat 6A Communications Satellite Successfully Launched

Cannes, November 12th, 2024 – The Koreasat 6A communications satellite was triumphantly launched yesterday using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, signaling a significant advancement in South Korea's satellite communication capabilities.

This groundbreaking satellite was ordered by KT SAT Corporation Ltd. in 2022, marking another step in South Korea's investment in cutting-edge technology. Developed by Thales Alenia Space—a renowned aerospace contractor formed through a partnership between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%)—Koreasat 6A promises to bolster the nation’s broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure. As the prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space oversaw the comprehensive design, assembly, integration, and testing phases, ensuring the satellite met rigorous standards for performance and reliability.

Positioned in a geostationary orbit at 116° East, Koreasat 6A will replace its predecessor, Koreasat 6, improving fixed and broadcast satellite services throughout South Korea. The satellite’s capabilities also extend to enhancing the positioning accuracy of the Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) through its Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) payload. This is similar to Europe’s EGNOS system and is vital for a myriad of applications, especially in air navigation, as well as in overland transportation, shipping, and location-based services (LBS).

KASS, developed in collaboration with the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), became operational at the end of 2023 and has thus far relied on the MEASAT-3D geostationary satellite for its services. With the launch of Koreasat 6A, KASS will significantly enhance its ability to improve Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning performance across various sectors, proving crucial for both economic and safety aspects of navigation systems.

Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey expressed his excitement over the successful launch, stating, “I am delighted to see that Koreasat 6A has been successfully launched and will now be enhancing satellite-based communication and navigation services in South Korea. Our teams can be proud of this accomplishment, which marks a new milestone in the longstanding collaboration with our customer KT SAT, following in the footsteps of Koreasat 5, Koreasat 6, Koreasat 5A and Koreasat 7.”

As South Korea steps into this new era of satellite technology, the implications for communication, navigation, and overall connectivity are monumental, promising improved services for millions across the nation and advancing South Korea's status in the global space industry. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting journey unfolds!