[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] As SpaceX accelerates the construction of space data centers by leveraging its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, a proposal has emerged that South Korea should also develop a national-level strategy combining satellite communication networks with space semiconductors. The argument is that, since it is difficult to compete with SpaceX using communication satellites alone, the country must expand its business scope—for example, by utilizing LEO satellite networks as connectivity infrastructure for space data centers.

Kwon Yong-hwan, Head of the Aerospace Semiconductor Strategy Research Group at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), stated at the third panel discussion of the Space Data Center Forum (chaired by Kim Seung-jo), held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, “The pressure from SpaceX’s speed and scale is considerable,” adding, “We, too, must consider ways to pursue a national-level mega-project.”

Since announcing its Starlink project in 2015, SpaceX has rapidly expanded the satellite communications market by launching thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites. Recently, it has even expanded into D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) services, which connect directly from satellites to smartphones. The company is also accelerating efforts to broaden its business beyond satellite communications to include infrastructure for processing data in space.

Director Kwon assessed that it would be difficult for South Korea to compete in the space data center race relying solely on communications satellites. He explained that since it is difficult to secure a large-scale satellite constellation in a short period, as SpaceX has done, a strategy is needed to link the domestic satellite communications network with space data centers. This approach involves utilizing the satellite communications network as a means of connecting data centers with the ground while simultaneously building satellites capable of processing data in space.

To achieve this, securing semiconductor technology capable of operating in the space environment is a prerequisite. ETRI is conducting research on the localization of space semiconductors as part of a project funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The goal is to develop seven types of space semiconductors in four areas—communications, power, imaging, and memory—by 2030. The annual project budget is approximately 21 billion won.

Efforts are also underway to validate the developed semiconductors in the space environment. The agency is reviewing plans to use the satellite scheduled for the sixth Nuri rocket launch as a validation platform and is discussing deployment strategies with HANWHA SYSTEMS, KOREA AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES (KAI), and others. In 2028, the agency also plans to launch a test satellite equipped with domestically produced artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors.

Space semiconductors must withstand harsh environments, such as radiation and extreme temperatures, so their development and validation costs are higher than those of general-purpose semiconductors. Director Kwon explained that the agency must pursue a dual-track approach: selecting and validating commercial semiconductors for space environments, while simultaneously developing semiconductors with built-in radiation resistance from the outset.

Establishing a domestic testing and verification infrastructure is another challenge. “While commercial semiconductors themselves are inexpensive, testing costs are high,” he said. “We will collaborate with domestic testing institutions such as the Korea Institute of Standards and Science (Quality Reliability Technology Inc.(405100) ) to pursue KOLAS accreditation for relevant test items, and we will establish a domestic testing and verification system by utilizing gamma-ray and proton irradiation facilities owned by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.”

KOLAS is the Korean Accreditation Board, which recognizes the technical capabilities of testing institutions and the reliability of their test results. The goal is to establish a foundation for testing the radiation tolerance of space semiconductors domestically and ensuring that the results are internationally recognized. Currently, 24 domestic institutions specializing in space semiconductors are participating in the research, and plans are in place to establish testing procedures and guidelines through the Civil-Military Space Industry Component Standardization Forum.

Director Kwon also emphasized a strategy to connect low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication networks with space data centers. The government is pursuing a plan to secure 100 to 500 LEO satellites by 2035. LEO satellites orbit the Earth at altitudes ranging from several hundred to around 2,000 km, providing communication services. Securing satellite communication technology based on future 6G standards could open doors not only to domestic services but also to entry into overseas markets.

Competition in the satellite communications market is becoming increasingly fierce. SpaceX is expanding services that directly connect satellites to smartphones by partnering with mobile carriers such as T-Mobile in the U.S. and KD Corporation in Japan.

Director Kwon emphasized that it is difficult to secure a competitive edge through the communications satellite business alone, and that the strategy must be expanded to link the domestic low-Earth orbit satellite network with space data centers.

“Communication satellites can serve as a means of connecting space data centers to the ground,” he said, adding, “We need a strategy that designs satellite communications and space data centers together based on communication standards.”