[Courtesy of SpaceX]
SEOUL -- South Korea will push for the independent design and production of a military satellite communication system by utilizing technology acquired through the successful launch of its first military communications satellite, ANASIS-II, that was put into orbit on July 30 atop a rocket manufactured by U.S commercial space firm SpaceX.
The Agency for Defense Development, a state agency for research and development in defense technology, said it would study satellite frequency sharing, the AI-based prediction and detection of interference and jamming signs, and new frequency bands as well as other technologies related to multi-layer satellite networks and destructive response.
"We will take the initiative in contributing to our national space development with the successful launch of ANASIS-II," an ADD official said. "We will take the lead in securing national defense in space, which has emerged as a new battlefield." ANASIS-II, manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space, features increased transmission and anti-jamming capabilities.
A new system utilizing South Korea's private Mugunghwa-6 satellite for communication was put into operation in July, allowing troops to stay connected and use the Army Tactical Command Information System (ATCIS), a battle management system, even when a wired network is not available. Previously, small rear area military units had relied on ground communication networks.
South Korea's space program has seen slow progress as other countries are reluctant to transfer core technologies. In February this year, Cheollian 2B, one of South Korea's home-made geostationary communication satellites, was put into orbit to monitor and collect atmospheric and marine environmental information around the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea has disclosed the goal of producing 11 small satellites weighing under 100 kilograms that would be carried by a three-stage indigenous rocket called Korea Space Launch Vehicle-2 (KSLV-2) or Nuri under development.
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