Global communications are evolving, and Korea is setting the pace. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) is establishing new standards for 6G low Earth orbit satellite systems, opening up pathways to true three-dimensional connectivity that spans both air and space.
Traditional networks often stumble over natural barriers such as mountains and oceans, making expansion both costly and complex. In contrast, 6G satellites—positioned between 200 km and 2,000 km above Earth—maintain stable communications even during adverse conditions like conflicts or natural disasters. While SpaceX’s Starlink has been leading this charge, Korea is now stepping into the arena with the launch of ‘NEONSAT 1’ last year, aiming to carve out its own niche.
To bring this vision to life, precise measurement standards are essential. Until recently, a lack of established benchmarks hindered the full verification of domestically developed technology. Addressing this gap, KRISS’s Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group has introduced an impedance measurement standard for waveguides—the channels that deliver high-frequency electromagnetic waves with minimal loss and are critical to satellite communications. Their work specifically focuses on the X-band frequency range (8–12 GHz), which is central to Korea’s low Earth orbit satellites.
This breakthrough not only promises to boost the reliability of satellite components but also helps streamline the design process and reduce costs by predicting performance metrics like signal strength and latency more accurately. Additionally, the new calibration technology for waveguide impedance enables local testing, removing the need for expensive, time-consuming overseas calibration. Dr Cho Chi Hyun, a principal research scientist at KRISS, highlights that these standards extend beyond satellite communications, benefiting radar and aviation systems as well—a development poised to enhance the competitiveness of Korean industries.
For those who want to delve deeper, the research is detailed in the IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. This work marks a significant step forward in integrating advanced satellite communication standards that keep pace with today’s dynamic technological landscape.
