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South Korea Lacks Communications Satellites

October 20, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

South Korea has zero communications satellites in orbit.
The country aims to launch 128-512 satellites by 2035.
Securing launch vehicles is a significant obstacle.
Foreign launch vehicles may be necessary to meet the target.

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Strategic Implications

South Korea's reliance on foreign launch vehicles may indicate a strategic vulnerability in its space program, which could impact its ability to achieve its satellite communications goals. The need for foreign launch vehicles suggests that the country's domestic launch capabilities may not be sufficient to meet its ambitious targets, which could have implications for its national security and technological sovereignty.

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What Happened

Deputy PM Cites Need For Foreign Launch Vehicles To Meet Ambitious Goals

South Korea is facing a significant challenge in its space program, with Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stating that the country has zero communications satellites in orbit. The government aims to launch a minimum of 128 and a maximum of 512 satellites by 2035, but securing launch vehicles is a major obstacle. The country’s current launch vehicle, the Nuri rocket, can only carry two communications satellites at a time, making it difficult to meet the target. The government is considering using foreign launch vehicles, which could pose trade-offs in cost and technological sovereignty. This development was reported by BigGo Finance.

Source | Originally Published: October 20, 2024

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