?????CONTEC Campus - August Newsletter
CEO Dr. Sunghee Lee, Inauguration of the 2nd CEO of AP Satellite Inc.
On July 29, Dr. Sunghee Lee, the CEO of CONTEC, officially assumed the role of CEO at AP Satellite Inc. (APSI).
Having successfully led CONTEC for the past decade and achieving the milestone of becoming the first Korean space startup listed on KOSDAQ, Dr. Lee acquired APSI on June 11. Following the inauguration ceremony on July 29, Dr. Lee has now taken on the role of the second CEO of APSI, while concurrently serving as the CEO of CONTEC.
Dr. Lee's leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Venture Business Promotion Merit Industrial Commendation, the Presidential Commendation, the Prime Minister's Commendation, and four Ministerial Commendations. Notably, in November 2023, CONTEC made history as the first space startup to be listed on KOSDAQ. Dr. Lee's journey through various challenges and achievements has deeply inspired the employees, highlighting his commitment to growing CONTEC into the world's premier space company.
By joining forces with APSI, CONTEC is expanding its business scope from the downstream sector to the upstream sector, moving closer to establishing a comprehensive upstream-downstream full vertical chain. Together with APSI, CONTEC is progressing towards becoming a global top-tier total solution provider in the space industry. We look forward to embarking on this journey into space alongside you!
CONTEC, Advancing as a First Mover in Space Security!
CONTEC Leads in Space Security!
On July 19, CONTEC signed a business agreement with Korea University’s Graduate School of Cybersecurity, the first of its kind globally, to advance as a first mover in space security technology.
This partnership stands out for its collaborative efforts, including conducting research on space security technology and policies, jointly hosting related academic events, and supporting the preparation of international hacking competitions.
Together with Korea University, a strategic partner, CONTEC aims to not only enhance its cyber security capabilities but also contribute to strengthening South Korea's space security technology!
The Renaissance of the Space Industry: "FORTITUDE" Featuring Contec!
Would you like to experience the renaissance of the space industry on Apple TV's "FORTITUDE"?
Space always makes our hearts race. Why are we so excited to explore and pioneer the cosmos? We want to share an opportunity to explore this excitement with you!
"FORTITUDE," directed by renowned documentary filmmaker Thorsten Hoffmann, presents incredible stories of the new space era, featuring not only prominent space companies but also startups like Planet and Exolaunch.
What makes this even more special is that CONTEC, a leading company in South Korea's New Space industry, is featured in this documentary!
Discover the unique story of CONTEC, a specialized Ground station company with both upstream and downstream business areas, as told by CEO Dr. Sunghee Lee! Watch it now!
We use various methods to monitor Earth, and in the New Space era, the most suitable method is environmental satellites. These satellites observe and monitor Earth's environmental conditions from space, providing more accurate information by utilizing algorithms combined with the latest AI technology.
In the past, monitoring Earth's environment was limited to ground observation stations, aerial photography, underwater sensors, and weather balloons, which only allowed observation of restricted areas. Each method had its drawbacks, such as high construction and maintenance costs and one-time use.
However, with advancements in satellite and AI technology, real-time data collection and analysis have become possible. For instance, in the event of natural disasters like wildfires or floods, environmental satellites can quickly gather and provide information, allowing for rapid response. Additionally, once launched, these satellites can monitor Earth for extended periods without requiring repeated human intervention, making them cost-effective in the long term.
With the advent of the New Space era and the emergence of launch vehicle companies like SpaceX, it has become relatively cheaper to launch satellites into space. As satellite development technology has advanced, production costs have decreased significantly, reducing the overall cost of developing, launching, and operating environmental satellites. These technological innovations have significantly improved our ability to observe Earth's environment accurately and promptly.
These more accessible satellites perform roles such as monitoring greenhouse gases, observing disasters, researching climate change, and protecting the marine environment, thereby safeguarding Earth's environment and providing us with warnings and new insights. One company that has emerged to professionally observe Earth's environment and analyze data to offer new services is CES (CONTEC Earth Service).
CES has established a system to select and reliably supply optimal satellite imagery for various purposes based on KOMPSAT, Global satellites, and CONTECSAT according to user needs. Notably, CES will use its own environmental satellite, scheduled for launch in 2026, to monitor emissions of methane and carbon dioxide, which account for 92% of greenhouse gases. This capability allows for the observation of greenhouse gas emissions required by governments and various companies worldwide, providing essential data for global carbon reduction efforts and contributing to environmental improvement.
The environmental satellite acts as our eyes in protecting the Earth. Although there are many steps ahead in terms of establishing our own environmental monitoring satellite system and providing timely observation and data, we remain committed to our fundamental goal of protecting the global environment and creating social value. We will tirelessly work to provide a better environment for the Earth than yesterday.
??#Launch
China prepares to launch new Long March 12 rocket
China is set to enhance its space launch capabilities with the upcoming debut of the Long March 12 rocket at a new commercial space launch center. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), the rocket's developer, held a ceremony for the Long March 12 on July 17. While the launch date remains unspecified, social media posts indicate the rocket's hardware is already at the Wenchang launch center on Hainan island, suggesting a possible launch as early as August. The two-stage, kerosene-fueled rocket can carry 12,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 6,000 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), though earlier reports cited a 10,000-kilogram LEO capacity. This new launcher will expand China's ability to deploy satellite constellations. The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) is also preparing the upgraded Long March 8 for similar purposes. Notably, the Long March 12 will be China's first rocket with a 3.8-meter diameter.
Starlink satellites lost on Falcon 9 upper stage failure
SpaceX reported that it will be unable to recover the 20 Starlink satellites stranded in a very low orbit after a Falcon 9 upper stage malfunction on July 11. The upper stage failed to complete its second burn, leaving the satellites in a high-drag environment at an orbit with a perigee of 135 kilometers, which the satellites' propulsion systems cannot overcome. As a result, the satellites will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrate. The incident, caused by a liquid oxygen leak, will ground the Falcon 9 for an indefinite period while SpaceX investigates. This failure affects numerous missions, including SpaceX's own Starlink launches, NASA's upcoming missions, and the private Polaris Dawn astronaut mission. The FAA will oversee the investigation to ensure public safety before allowing flights to resume.
???#Satellite
China launches new Gaofen-11 high resolution spy satellite
China successfully launched its fifth Gaofen-11 high-resolution optical earth observation satellite into space on July 18, 2024, using a Long March 4B rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, which enhances China's Earth observation capabilities, will be used for land surveying, urban planning, road network design, crop yield estimation, and disaster prevention. Gaofen-11 satellites are known for their high-resolution imagery, capable of around 10-centimeter resolution. This launch marks China's 33rd orbital mission of the year, part of an ambitious plan to conduct around 100 launches in 2024, including major missions like the Chang'e-6 lunar far side sample return and upcoming Tiangong space station missions.
Morocco to acquire Israeli spy satellite worth $1 billion
Morocco is set to acquire a spy satellite from Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) in a $1 billion deal, according to Moroccan media reports. The state-owned IAI announced on Tuesday that it signed a five-year contract to supply the Ofek 13 spy satellite to an unnamed customer. This satellite will replace two existing Airbus and Thales satellites. The deal follows a defense pact between Israel and Morocco established in 2021, which includes cooperation in intelligence and military industries.
??#Ground Station
KSAT Opens Tokyo Office to Expand into Asian Market
KSAT has opened an office in Tokyo to expand its presence in Japan and Asia, aiming to enhance relationships and support satellite operators. Kenneth Olafsson will head the new office, and the company is also expanding its ground network capabilities with new sites in Hokkaido and Okinawa. This move follows over 20 years of service to the Japanese market, with KSAT having strong relationships with JAXA and JSAT. CEO Rolf Skatteboe emphasized the importance of a local presence in the growing Asian space industry.
Taiwan MODA announces LEO/MEO satellite coverage across Taiwan
Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has begun providing space internet services across Taiwan using low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) communication satellites in collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb and Luxembourg's SES. This project is a test initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of emergency communication networks. The current provision of space internet is limited to 12 hours a day for military and political purposes, with public access requiring approval from the National Communications Commission (NCC). The space internet will be deployed for the first time during disaster relief drills on National Disaster Prevention Day on September 21.
领英推荐
???#Satellite Imagery Processing
Maxar Intelligence unveils first images from next-generation WorldView Legion Satellites
Maxar Intelligence, a geospatial intelligence and Earth observation services provider, released the first images from its WorldView Legion satellites on July 18. These advanced Earth observation satellites, launched on May 2 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, are part of Maxar's latest high-resolution imaging constellation designed to increase imaging capacity and revisit rates. Capable of 30 cm-class imagery, they serve applications in defense, urban planning, and disaster response. Currently, two out of a planned six satellites are in orbit, with the entire constellation expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Maxar, the primary commercial electro-optical imagery provider for the U.S. government, secured a $3.2 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office in 2022.
Planet Signs Seven-Figure Pilot Program With International MoD Customer
Planet Labs announced a new seven-figure pilot program on July 15 with an international Ministry of Defense (MoD) customer for PlanetScope data enhanced by SynMax artificial intelligence. This partnership aims to provide maritime domain awareness through advanced vessel detection and monitoring. The customer has also expanded their use of Planet’s SkySat for high-resolution satellite data. This follows a similar agreement earlier this year with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. Planet CEO Will Marshall highlighted that such AI-enhanced solutions are in increasing demand and can lead to significant operational contracts. He noted that this pilot represents a shift towards broader threat detection capabilities beyond traditional intelligence methods.
??#Space Tourism
Construction of 'Las Vegas Spaceport' confirmed... Opening the era of space tourism
Las Vegas, Nevada, is set to become a hub for space tourism with the recent approval of the Las Vegas Spaceport by the FAA. The spaceport, to be built near Pahrump, will feature facilities like training centers, control towers, runways, spacecraft hangars, and hotels. Led by Robert Lauer, the project’s groundbreaking ceremony is expected within three months and aims to revolutionize Las Vegas's tourism industry and attract global space travel enthusiasts.
Virgin Galactic completes new Delta space plane manufacturing facility in Arizona
Virgin Galactic plans to operate commercial space planes starting in 2026 and has completed a new manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona, for this purpose. This facility will be used for the building and assembling of Delta-class space planes. The production of the first Delta-class space planes is set to begin in 2025, with commercial operations targeted for 2026. The new facility employs digital twin technology to support real-time collaboration.
??#Space Situational Awareness(SSA)
US Space Force Begins Operational Trial for CODA Space Domain Awareness System
The U.S. Space Force has begun testing the Consolidated Operational Data Archive (CODA) system, developed by L3Harris Technologies, to enhance space domain awareness. CODA integrates data from various sources, including ExoAnalytics and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Wide Area Search telescope system, addressing challenges of data format incompatibility and quality control. The system aims to provide a comprehensive view of the space domain and enable quicker satellite tracking and threat response. CODA will support the Space Force’s Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS) by expanding data access from commercial and international sources, enhancing space situational awareness and operational decision-making.
??#Laser Communication
Optical ground stations capture satellite laser signals, paving way for 1,000-fold faster communications from space
The University of Western Australia's TeraNet has successfully received laser signals from a German satellite, marking a significant step towards increasing space-to-Earth communication bandwidth by 1,000 times. Led by Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy, the TeraNet team used optical ground stations to detect signals from the OSIRISv1 payload on the Flying Laptop satellite. This advancement aims to establish a next-generation space communications network, overcoming the limitations of traditional radio signals. The network includes multiple ground stations across Western Australia to ensure continuous data transfer despite weather conditions, with applications in Earth observation, military communication, and disaster response.
???#Space Defense & Security
What caused global cyber outage?
On Friday(July 19th), operations in various industries were disrupted due to a crash in Microsoft Windows caused by an issue with CrowdStrike's software. Amid the increased reliance on technology companies following the COVID-19 pandemic, this incident has highlighted the risks in the online world. Various international industries were affected, including Spanish airports, American airlines, Australian media, and banks, leading to numerous flight cancellations and an interruption in broadcasting for the UK's Sky News. Experts believe that while the scale of the issue is large, it is likely to be resolved in the short term.
US Prepares Jamming Devices Targeting Russia, China Satellites
The U.S. Space Force is set to deploy new ground-based jammers to disrupt Chinese and Russian satellite communications. These devices are designed to block adversary satellite communications and were tested earlier this year. The first 11 jammers will be deployed in a few months, with all units expected to be in place by December 31. The U.S. stated that these jammers are intended for counter-offensive purposes, not just defense.
Exhibition Schedule??
Small Satellite Conference
2024. 8. 3 ~ 8 / Logan, Utah, USA
Booth 128
Contact : [email protected]
Strategies in? Satellite Ground Segment
2024. 9. 4 ~ 5 / London, UK
Contact : [email protected]
World Space Business Week
2024. 9. 16 ~ 20 / Paris, France
Contact : [email protected]
We Make Space Available for Everyone.
Thank you?