Space agency in S. Korea to finalize design of 1st navigation satellite for 2029 launch

South Korea will begin production of its first satellite for the Korean Positioning System (KPS) ahead of a planned launch in September 2029, the space agency said Monday, Report informs via Yonhap.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) said it will hold a critical design review with related ministries and research institutions for the KPS No. 1 satellite, marking the final review before production of the flight model begins.

The KPS is South Korea's planned satellite navigation system designed to provide high-precision positioning, navigation and timing services over the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas. The government plans to invest 3.72 trillion won (US$2.73 billion) in the project over 14 years from 2022.

Despite the delay, KASA plans to maintain its goal of deploying all eight KPS satellites by 2035.