🎉CONTEC Campus - July Newsletter
ISS 2024 Concluded Successfully
The "International Space Summit (ISS) 2024", hosted and organized by CONTEC, concluded successfully with the participation of 75 space agencies, organizations and companies from 32 countries and approximately 1,300 attendees (cumulative). 🎉😊
Notably, this year’s ISS was held at The-K Hotel in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The event featured special CONTEC character bread 🥯 and a Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine) bar, promoting the flavors and culture of Korea. The summit received positive feedback from participants on the networking reception, addition of meeting rooms, and creating more network opportunities throughout the event.. 👏👏
Additionally, during the ISS, CONTEC signed MOUs with 7 companies, strengthening opportunities for cooperation in space education, VLEO satellites, QKD technology, SSA (Space Situational Awareness) capabilities, ground stations, satellite communication technology, and data integration capabilities. 🚀✨🌍
Next year’s ISS will be held from June 3 to 5 in either Seoul or Daejeon! CONTEC promises to address any shortcomings from this year's event, build on our strengths, and do our utmost to provide an exceptional experience for all attendees at ISS 2025!✨
To our subscribers who couldn't attend ISS 2024, see you next year at ISS 2025!
CONTEC moves forward to becoming Korea's Airbus
🛰 CONTEC announced the acquisition of domestic satellite and satellite communication terminal specialist 'AP Satellite' on June 11th!
🚀 APSatellite has been actively engaged in satellite operations, including being the first in Korea to participate in the lunar probe mission ‘Danuri, (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter)' and obtaining international certification for next-generation terminal equipment in 2012.
✨ By integrating CONTEC's downstream capabilities, such as the GSaaS network solution and an integrated platform for receiving, processing, and analyzing satellite imagery, CONTEC is positioned to offer a full-vertical chain solution that spans both upstream and downstream sectors, propelling us deeper into the vast realm of space.
🌍CONTEC 's journey begins now! We will continue to embody the pioneering spirit of the new space era, foster ESG management practices, and grow as a leading Korean space company in the global market. We are committed to enhancing the sustainability of the space industry and creating social value.
Luxembourg Government and Space Officials Attend Conference in South Korea
On July 1, Dr. Sunghee Lee, CEO of CONTEC was invited to the conference “Luxembourg: the ideal ICT and Space hub for European market entry” hosted by the Embassy of Luxembourg in Korea, where he had the opportunity to present his experiences as the first Korean space company enter Luxembourg.
Starting with the opening remarks by Xavier Bettel, the Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Foreign Affair and Foreign Trade, the conference discussed the importance of ongoing cooperation that will continue into the future, following the voluntary participation of Luxembourg in the Korean War and the subsequent relationship between Korea and Luxembourg.
In particular, Dr. Sunghee Lee emphasized in his presentation that the experience of receiving support when establishing a branch in Luxembourg in 2019 and the very natural networking with the head of Luxembourg's space agency and related organizations and companies were the most impressive.
CONTEC will remember the dedication of Luxembourg that made the current Republic of Korea possible, and will continue to strive to maintain the precious relationship and mutually beneficial exchanges that have been ongoing since 2019!
🚀#Launch
Starliner return delayed to July
NASA and Boeing have delayed the return of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station to at least early July to address propulsion system issues, with no new departure date set as they continue to evaluate the situation. The extra time allows for additional data collection and coordination with scheduled spacewalks, with NASA emphasizing a data-driven approach to ensure the spacecraft's readiness for its return.
Innospace has signed launch contracts with satellite companies from Italy and Thailand, amounting to 2.1 billion KRW
Space launch startup Innospace has signed a $1.54 million contract with Italy's CShark S.r.l. and Thailand's EOS Orbit for the launch of small satellites using its Hanbit launch vehicle. Starting next year, Innospace will carry out commercial launch missions over three years for 35 CShark satellites and one EOS Orbit satellite.
🛰️#Satellite
CONTEC, collaboration with overseas companies on VLEO satellites and QKD technologies
Ground station solution provider, CONTEC, has signed an MOU with Bulgaria’s EnduroSat for the development of Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites and with UK (Scotland) Craft Prospect for the development of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) devices. Through collaboration with these two companies, CONTEC plans to commercialize VLEO satellites by 2027 and establish a space to ground communication system with enhanced security features.
Planet’s first hyperspectral satellite is ready to launch
Planet’s first hyperspectral satellite, Tanager-1, is ready for launch this summer aboard Space-X Falcon 9 along with 35 other optical Earth imaging satellites. The Tanager-1 offers 30-meter resolution data and offers more than 400 spectral bands.
📡#Ground Station
Why we need to take satellite ground station security seriously
The increasing commercial and defense collaboration in space and the rise of remote access pose new cyber security risks to space-based critical infrastructure, particularly ground stations. These stations, which control satellites and collect telemetry, often operate on outdated systems and lack effective privileged access management. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to implement four technical changes: deploy solutions for just-enough, just-in-time access; establish an overlay or gateway between users and sensitive assets; use a distributed password vault; and ensure a zero-trust data exchange across hybrid satellite architectures. These measures should be adopted by federal agencies and private organizations to protect national security.
Zero communication interruptions... Calls and messages via satellite
Apple is enhancing satellite messaging capabilities in its latest iPhones, and Chinese manufacturers are planning to release smartphones equipped with satellite communication features consecutively. Once satellite communication standards are established in the future, direct-to-device (D2D) connections between satellites and phones are expected to become widespread.
🗺️#Satellite Imagery Processing
Planet to Use Nvidia AI Processor Onboard Pelican Satellite.
Planet announced that its upcoming Pelican-2 satellite, set to launch later this year, will be equipped with an Nvidia Jetson AI chip, marking one of the first uses of such technology on an Earth observation satellite. This integration aims to enable intelligent imaging and faster insights for customers, enhancing Planet's ability to provide high-resolution data.
🧳#Space Tourism
Space tourism dreams live on
Despite early optimism, commercial space tourism has not become as commonplace as expected. SpaceShipOne, the first privately developed crewed vehicle to reach space, led to the creation of Virgin Galactic and its SpaceShipTwo suborbital vehicle. However, commercial service will be paused until at least 2026 as Virgin Galactic focuses on its next-generation suborbital vehicle, the Delta class. Meanwhile, Blue Origin has resumed crewed flights of its New Shepard vehicle but has not disclosed how frequently it will do so. Despite these challenges, the space tourism industry remains hopeful, focusing on the basics of safe and regular flying.
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Spain's EOS-X SPACE Targets 2025 Launch For Space Tourism Flights
Spanish firm EOS-X Space is launching space balloon flights in 2025, taking passengers to the edge of the stratosphere in a pressurized cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, LED lighting, and an onboard bar. The company, the first of its kind in Spain, will operate from Seville and Abu Dhabi. The journey includes a two-hour ascent and two hours at the desired altitude. The company also plans to offer immersive experiences at a SpaceHub Complex in Seville and an ultra-luxury hotel. Prices range from $160,550 to $214,060.
☄️#Space Situational Awareness(SSA)
U.S. to rely on commercial satellites to image spacecraft in orbit
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the United States intends to utilize the commercial satellite imagery industry to monitor objects in Earth's orbit. According to a recent information request, NGA seeks to acquire data and analysis from U.S. companies in the non-earth imaging (NEI) market. Through this initiative, they plan to enhance national security and space situational awareness capabilities.
Spire and Thales to Build Air Traffic Management Constellation
Spire Global, Thales, and the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) have announced a collaboration to build a specialized satellite constellation for air traffic management. Spire will develop more than 100 satellites to collect ADS-B messages from aircraft, providing real-time air traffic surveillance data. Thales will supply the ground infrastructure for air traffic management, while ESSP will manage certification and service delivery. The project aims to enhance aviation safety and security, with plans to launch operational services by 2027.
Aerospacelab to build debris-tracking satellite for Vyoma
German startup Vyoma has contracted Belgian venture Aerospacelab to build a second small satellite, Flamingo 2, for its proposed space debris-monitoring constellation. The satellite, part of a planned 12-satellite constellation, will be ready for launch by the end of 2025 and will help track debris in low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit. The Flamingo satellites will have optical telescopes that can passively track and catalog objects as small as 10 centimeters in LEO. Vyoma also plans to launch a satellite from EnduroSat, a Bulgarian cubesat specialist, in February.
🛜#Laser Communication
NASA sent pet photos to the space station using lasers
NASA has successfully transmitted pet photos and videos to the International Space Station using a two-way laser relay system, with speeds reaching 1.2 gigabits per second. This demonstration aimed to showcase the capabilities of laser communications and test new networking techniques. The data was sent from New Mexico to optical ground stations in California and Hawaii, then relayed to NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration in geosynchronous orbit, and finally to the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal on the space station. This advancement in laser communication technology could revolutionize data transmission, offering faster speeds and more secure data transmission for future space missions.
Space Force taps four firms for laser network project
The Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded contracts to Blue Origin, CACI International, General Atomics, and Viasat to develop prototypes for laser communication terminals as part of the $100 million Enterprise Space Terminal project. The aim is to establish a space mesh network across various orbits for seamless communication between future military space systems. The prototypes will be evaluated based on size, weight, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
🛡️#Space Defense & Security
North Korea-Russia Summit Agenda Focuses on 'Military, Space, and Resources’
The important meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has commenced. During this meeting, they plan to sign a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partner' agreement and enhance military cooperation. Representatives from North Korea and Russia are emphasizing cooperation in military, space, and resource sectors during the ongoing talks. The meeting took place at the Yangbin Hall in Kumsusan, Pyongyang, with 6 officials including Chairman Kim Jong-un from North Korea and a 13-member delegation from Russia. Close collaboration in the military sphere is especially anticipated, along with discussions on strengthening cooperation in areas such as space technology.
NATO to Invest in 'Space Manufacturing' Startup
The consortium of NATO member countries is providing financial support to four startups to develop advanced technologies aimed at enhancing defense, security, and resilience. The initial recipients of this fund include space company 'Space Forge', language model creator 'Practical', unmanned robotics manufacturer 'ARX Robotics', and lightweight materials producer 'iCOMAT' for vehicles.
Exhibition Schedule📆
SPACETIDE 2024
2024. 07. 08 - 10 / Tokyo, Japan
Booth 14
Contact : anna.kim@contec.kr
The 6th Summit for Space Sustainability
2024. 07. 10 - 12 / Tokyo, Japan
Contact : stina@contec.kr
COSPAR 2024
2024. 07. 15 - 17 / Busan, Korea
Booth 11
Contact : jhshin@contec.kr
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