Suncheon City Accelerates ‘Suncheon SAT’ Development... Collaboration with Local Universities, Students, and Companies

“Suncheon SAT Observation Idea Contest” for Local Students

Recruitment of “Suncheon SAT Cooperative Companies”

Up to 100 Million Won in Technology Development Funding Available

Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province announced that, with the development of ‘Suncheon SAT’—the city’s first satellite, scheduled to be launched aboard the Nuri rocket (Nuriho) 6th vehicle in 2027—now in full swing, it will pursue collaborative projects involving local universities, companies, and students.

Based on the “Suncheon SAT Development and Demonstration Agreement” signed in April, the city has formed a consortium for the development of Suncheon SAT, comprised of Suncheon National University and Chosun University—regional leaders in aerospace education—as well as Jeonnam Technopark, which specializes in corporate support.

Exterior view of Suncheon City Hall.

This project, jointly organized by these institutions, aims to foster future talent and strengthen corporate technological capabilities. It will be conducted through two key initiatives: the student-participation-based “Suncheon SAT Observation Idea Contest” and the industry-linked “Suncheon SAT Cooperative Company Discovery Program.”

The “Suncheon SAT Observation Idea Contest,” run in collaboration with Suncheon National University, targets local middle and high school students. Participants will propose ideas for sub-payload designs that will help observe the “Suncheon SAT,” scheduled for launch in 2027, more effectively from the Suncheonman Astronomical Observatory.

Outstanding ideas selected through this contest, which will be open for applications until June 19, will be incorporated into the actual satellite design process. Award-winning students will also gain the opportunity to directly participate in the development of “Suncheon SAT.”

The city expects that this contest will serve not just as an experiential learning opportunity, but also as a turning point for local youth to recognize the space industry as “a future industry in which I can participate.”

In addition to the contest, the city is also promoting a variety of education programs linked to industry, including the CanSat competition and student participation in Suncheon SAT development, offering both hands-on experience and direct industry connections.

Moreover, through the “Satellite Development Cooperative Company Discovery Program,” Suncheon City and Jeonnam Technopark will lead an initiative to support the technological development of satellite components by local companies, and connect these developments so that the components can be actually mounted on “Suncheon SAT.”

Local material and component companies hoping to enter the aerospace sector will be recruited until June 5, and selected through a review process. The city will provide up to 100 million won in development funding and plans to collaborate with universities on the development of “Suncheon SAT.”

Beyond simple financial support, the city aims to provide companies with opportunities for technical validation through actual satellite integration, thus laying the foundation for local businesses to enter the space industry.

The city plans to realize a satellite “created together by the region and its citizens” by connecting students’ ideas and local companies’ technological capabilities with the actual satellite development process through this collaborative project.

An official from the city said, “Suncheon SAT will not only be Suncheon’s first satellite, but also a symbol of a Suncheon-style space industry that brings together the dreams of future generations and the technological prowess of local companies. We will continue to expand the local space industry ecosystem where students and businesses participate together.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.