[Edaily Reporter Hyera Lee ] Asia Pacific Satellite Inc.(211270)announced on the 26th that it will participate in a 9.5 billion won project to develop onboard computers for geostationary weather and space weather satellites.

This project involves the development and delivery of the onboard computer (OBC) for the Cheollian-5 satellite, which will observe weather and space weather across the Korean Peninsula and throughout Asia from a geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface. The contract period runs from this month through May 21, 2028.
The Cheollian-5 satellite development project is a private-sector-led next-generation satellite development initiative with a total budget of 666.8 billion won, running from 2025 to 2031. The Korea Meteorological Administration and the Korea Aerospace Administration are the contracting agencies, and LIG D&A is currently carrying out the project as the lead research and development institution for the satellite system, main body, and meteorological payload sectors.
Asia Pacific Satellite Inc. is responsible for developing the Engineering Model (EM) for on-board computer verification, the Flight Model (FM) to be installed on the actual satellite, the Satellite Test Board Module (STBM) for flight software development and testing, and the Satellite Test Board Earth-to-Satellite Equipment and Ground Support Equipment (STB EGSE) for testing and control. The On-Board Computer (OBC) is a core electronic component that integrates control of the satellite’s payloads and processes data; it serves as the “brain” responsible for the satellite’s attitude control, orbital adjustments, and communication with ground stations.
Cheollian Satellite No. 5 is South Korea’s third meteorological satellite and the country’s first privately led geostationary meteorological satellite. Development is underway with a target launch date of 2031, and the satellite is expected to be used for 24-hour real-time weather observation, space weather monitoring, and early detection of hazardous weather.
An Asia Pacific Satellite Inc. official stated, “Building on our experience participating in the development projects for Cheollian-2A and Cheollian-3, we will demonstrate our core component development capabilities in this Cheollian-5 project as well,” adding, “Based on our experience in developing geostationary satellites, we will continue to strengthen our position in the privately led space development market.”