KAI to Jointly Develop Low Earth Orbit Communication Satellites with European Satellite Company

Collaboration on K-LEO and Next-Generation Commercial Communication Satellites
Exploring Joint Venture Establishment and New Business Opportunities

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on September 15 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for strategic cooperation in the space business sector with Aerospacelab (ASL), a European satellite specialist company, at the “World Space Business Week 2026 (WSBW 2026)” held in Paris, France, on September 14 (local time).

Jihong Kim, Executive Vice President of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) (right), and Benoit Deper Aerospace Lab (ASL) CEO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of Korea's low Earth orbit satellite communication network (K-LEO) and joint development of next-generation commercial communication satellites on the 14th (local time) in Paris, France, and are taking a commemorative photo. KAI

The two companies will cooperate on the Korean Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Network (K-LEO) project and jointly develop next-generation commercial communication satellites. They also plan to explore new business opportunities, develop integrated aviation and satellite solutions, and consider establishing a future joint venture.

K-LEO is a satellite communication infrastructure that deploys multiple communication satellites in low Earth orbit to provide services to areas where terrestrial networks have difficulty reaching. KAI aims to participate in the government-led K-LEO construction project slated for 2035.

KAI possesses capabilities in satellite design, manufacturing, and system integration, while ASL holds expertise in low Earth orbit satellite communication systems and satellite constellation operation and mass production. By combining these strengths, the two companies intend to jointly develop high-performance low Earth orbit communication satellites and discover business opportunities in domestic and global satellite markets.

Headquartered in Belgium, ASL is a specialist satellite company that handles everything from satellite design and manufacturing to operation. It has been selected as a core satellite manufacturer for the European Union’s secured satellite communication network project, IRIS².

KAI has participated in national satellite development projects, including multi-purpose practical satellites, next-generation medium-sized satellites, and military reconnaissance satellites, and is now expanding its business scope to include 6G low Earth orbit communication satellites and ultra-small satellites.

Kim Ji-hong, Vice President of KAI, stated, “This is an important starting point for combining KAI’s accumulated satellite system integration capabilities with ASL’s satellite technology and mass production capacity,” adding, “By effectively leveraging our strengths, we aim to generate tangible business results in both domestic and international markets.”

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