All Systems Go for Satellite Launch

Korea’s first civilian-military communication satellite “Mugungwha 5” will be launched from the Pacific Ocean on August 22.

Korea Telecom (KT) revealed that Mugungwha 5 is scheduled to be launched in the waters south of Hawaii, around the equator.

Mugungwha 5 will replace Mugungwha 2, which was launched in 1996 and is reaching the end of its life span. In contrast to satellites 1, 2, and 3, which were for domestic use, Mugungwha 5, which is the fourth satellite, has expanded its service region to include Japan, China, the Philippines, and Taiwan by using its regional beam.

While 1, 2, and 3 were under the initiation of KT alone, Mugungwha 5 is a civilian-military combined project promoted by the Ministry of Defense. Beginning in December, when the performance test will be concluded, the satellite will commence service.

KT Executive Managing Director Seo Gwang-ju, head of networks, said, “High quality communication service has become possible due to Mugungwha 5’s large output broadcasting. It will contribute to the spread of Hallyu (the Korean Wave) and the advancement of domestic enterprises abroad.”

kimsunmi@donga.com