South Korea has invested in a $13.9 million project for a space system that will forecast weather and ensure stable operations of high-altitude drones or similar military assets. According to the state arms procurement agency, the system is expected to be launched and put into use by 2024.
The contract for the project is given to a local tech firm, Satree Initiative Co., which will be working on the project. Satrec Initiative is a satellite company that works under Hanwha Aerospace. The Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) expects the firm to develop a system that forecasts space weather conditions and alarms about any concerns.
Malfunctioning of military assets typically happens due to unfavourable weather conditions. As a result, the Global Positioning System signals get disrupted, thereby hurdling the effective surveillance and security process.
After the system is successfully developed, it will assist with the refrain of any such defects with military assets such as high-altitude surveillance drones, guided weapons systems and other crucial military tools and assets.
A DAPA official spoke to the media through a published statement. “The system will mark the first weapons system of our military tasked with meticulously predicting changes in space weather conditions,” the statement quoted.
The official further added, “This is expected to ensure the stable operation of high-tech weapons systems and help expand the military utility of the space domain.”
If the system is effectively put into use, it will also be helpful for other civilian research organizations, DAPA officials expressed. At present, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute are some research organizations that may need such a system to ensure a smooth security and surveillance process. With the help of information-sharing mechanisms, civilian research organizations can utilize the weather forecast system.
