South Korea has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch the multi-purpose communications satellite GEO-KOMPSAT-3 into geostationary orbit in the second half of 2027, according to a statement from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).

The new agreement is the latest in a series of launch contracts that South Korea has with SpaceX for its key space missions. In 2022, the country launched its first robotic lunar orbiter. Two of the five military reconnaissance satellites involved in the “425 Project” were launched on Falcon 9 rockets in December 2023 and April 2024, respectively, with the remaining three scheduled to launch by SpaceX through 2025.

GEO-KOMPSAT-3, also known as Chollian-3, was designed to replace the aging GEO-Kompsat-1, which was launched in 2010. The new satellite will be equipped with advanced payloads for communications, disaster prevention, maritime safety, and aircraft safety, according to a statement from KASA on Aug. 8.

“The development of a multipurpose geostationary communications satellite will play a role in advancing the nation’s technologies for GEO satellites,” said Kim Jin-hee, head of KASA’s satellite directorate, in the statement, according to Space News. “It will also enhance the country’s safety by providing satellite communication services for disaster prevention and public safety.”

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