For 32 years, KT SAT has controlled satellites 36,000 kilometers away. Now, they're developing low-orbit satellite operation technology.

The KT SAT (Korea Telecom Satellite) observation center in Chungcheongbuk-do's Changwon city houses eight large dish antennas, each connected to the KARI satellite 5, which sends and receives signals from 3,660 km away. Since its opening 25 days ago, the center's team of 30-plus technicians has been constantly monitoring the satellite's battery voltage, temperature, orbit state, and dozens of other parameters on a continuous basis.

Satellite communication is a technology that uses artificial satellites to relay data, voice, and video between ground networks. In regions where laying ground networks is difficult, such as mountainous or remote areas, satellite communication also serves as a backup communication network. The Chungcheong Satellite Center, the first communication satellite control center in the country, directly controls the five stationary orbit satellites in its possession, overseeing their status and controlling their orbits and positions.

By analyzing remote sensing data sent by the satellite, they can identify any abnormalities and send control commands to adjust the satellite's orbit and position. Despite being difficult to identify with the naked eye, the large dish antennas rotate at a rate of 0.002 degrees per second, precisely tracking the satellite. Since its establishment, the center has maintained uninterrupted operation for 32 years without a single minute of downtime.

In case of emergencies, a backup control center has been established in Seoul. Over the past 32 years, the center has accumulated knowledge and expertise in managing satellites, allowing them to quickly determine the normal state of a satellite's signals based on factors such as the satellite's aging characteristics and past abnormal cases.

Through cooperation with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), they have also developed domestic technologies for precisely predicting and analyzing the orbits of satellites, without relying on foreign technology. This expertise has led to the successful realignment and extension of the lifespan of the KARI satellite 6, which was originally scheduled for decommissioning.

The satellite, initially aimed at domestic services, was then reassigned to the southern hemisphere's Oceania market through a high-precision orbital adjustment, transforming a decommissioned satellite into a tool for serving another business sector. KT SAT aims to expand its expertise in managing stationary orbit satellites to the management of low orbit satellites.

By leveraging their experience in managing stationary orbit satellites and the skills gained from practical operation, KT SAT plans to acquire low orbit satellite operation technology. The technology chief of KT SAT, Sung-ho Kang, stated that the company has gained global recognition for its advanced control capabilities in satellite management, thanks to the accumulation of data and experience from actual operation.

Looking ahead, KT SAT intends to apply its expertise in low orbit satellite management to future satellite technologies such as 6th generation (G) communication and high-speed connectivity networks (NTN). The Korean government has recently proposed the establishment of a domestic low orbit satellite communication network as a future growth engine, set to launch in 2035.

KT SAT plans to utilize its management experience and technology to position itself as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.