The Korea Aerospace Administration is launching initiatives to attract artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT) companies into the space industry.
On Monday, the agency hosted the 9th Aerospace SOS Meeting at Rebellion, an AI fabless company, gathering industry experts in space data center technology.
This meeting was organized to evaluate domestic industry capabilities for developing a Korean space data center and identify necessary support measures. The aim is to formulate policies that will draw non-space companies, particularly AI and ICT firms, into the space sector.
The meeting was attended by representatives from 17 companies, including six AI fabless firms, four power sector companies specializing in solar cells and batteries, two cooling technology firms, and five satellite system developers.
Participants discussed radiation-resistant semiconductor technology, the potential for space-based solar cells and cooling systems, corporate involvement strategies, and the formation of public-private partnerships crucial for the successful development of space data centers.
To facilitate entry into the space industry, they proposed support for verifying commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components like semiconductors, conducting tests in extreme space environments, and providing opportunities for space validation through test satellites.
Oh Tae-seok, head of the Korea Aerospace Administration, emphasized that space data centers are key to driving growth in new space-based industries. It’s vital to confirm the commitment of non-space companies, especially in AI and ICT, and foster a new ecosystem for satellite development and manufacturing. He pledged to carefully consider the meeting’s discussions in shaping the direction and strategy for space data centers, promising robust support for AI expansion across the space industry.
As generative AI proliferates and energy demands soar, low Earth orbit is gaining attention as a potential site for next-generation AI infrastructure, offering direct access to solar power. SpaceX recently unveiled plans for AI1, a space data center satellite, while NVIDIA announced Space-1, a computing platform designed for low Earth orbit missions.