Hanwha, MDA Space to Collaborate on S. Korea’s K-LEO Military Satellite Network
South Korea’s Hanwha Systems and Canada’s MDA Space have teamed up to explore collaboration on Seoul’s sovereign Low Earth Orbit (K-LEO) defense satellite constellation.
The K-LEO program is designed to provide secure and resilient communications for South Korea’s defense operations, enabling robust data services across the military and allied networks.
Under the signed memorandum of understanding, MDA Space will leverage its AURORA satellite platform, where it will be assessed to see how it can address evolving mission requirements, improve operational efficiency, and maximize satellite performance.
“This collaboration highlights the global confidence in MDA AURORA’s secure dual-use software-defined satellite technology to deliver mission-critical flexibility, performance, and resilience for national defence networks,” said MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Systems CEO Jae-il Son described the agreement as “an important first step in exploring collaboration with a global partner to advance Korea’s defence space capabilities.”
Defense Satellite Constellation
AURORA is also being used by Canadian satellite operator Telesat for its Lightspeed LEO broadband network.
Hanwha Systems is working with Telesat to explore integrating Lightspeed services into its K-LEO defense program, including the potential development of compatible satellite terminals.
In addition, both are coordinating on Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project, with Hanwha proposing multi-year Lightspeed connectivity as part of the industrial and economic benefits plan.
This Hanwha-Telesat collaboration follows a broader bilateral agreement between Canada and South Korea to jointly advance next-generation LEO communications and maritime platforms, according to Space News.
