Hanwha System announced on the 21st that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for '6G low Earth orbit satellite communication system technology development' with the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), a national research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, at the Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul.

6G low Earth orbit satellite communication is a next-generation advanced communication service that implements the sixth generation of mobile communication, known to be dozens of times faster than the fifth generation (5G), through low orbit communication satellites. Unlike the existing terrestrial networks that can only be used on the ground, it provides communication services free from spatio-temporal constraints, including ground, maritime, and aerial communications.

Hanwha Systems and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) sign a memorandum of understanding on the development of the 6G low Earth orbit satellite communication system technology on Nov. 21 at Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul. The CEO of Hanwha Systems, Jae-il Son (on the right), and the Director of ETRI, Seung-chan Bang (on the left). /Courtesy of Hanwha Systems

Hanwha System and the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) plan to jointly develop various foundational technologies necessary to realize domestic 6G low Earth orbit satellite communication, including ▲6G low Earth orbit satellite technology development ▲network technology for multi-layer communication ▲space and aviation semiconductor technology ▲intelligent electromagnetic spectrum management technology.

The two organizations are determined to secure communication sovereignty by independently establishing the low Earth orbit satellite communication field with purely domestic technology while overseas corporations such as Starlink and Amazon expand the market, and they will continue to pursue strategic cooperation for smooth global expansion in the future.

Song Seong-chan, head of the space division at Hanwha System, said, 'Through this MOU, Hanwha System has taken another step toward realizing ultra-fast space internet,' adding, 'To enhance the security of South Korea and the convenience of its citizens, we will continue to develop domestic military and civilian low Earth orbit satellite communication service technologies, and we will also focus on exporting to global markets.'