Approximately 37% of the global population—about 2.9 billion people—do not have access to the internet. Traditional communication systems rely on submarine cables and ground-based base stations installed in elevated areas. However, such infrastructure requires significant installation and maintenance costs, making it difficult for developing countries to provide communication services. As a result, so-called connectivity blind spots emerge. To address this issue, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems have been proposed.
[Fig] Overview of Traditional Submarine Cable-Based Communication Systems and LEO Satellite Communication Systems
LEO satellite communication systems provide connectivity by deploying communication satellites at altitudes between 200 km and 2,000 km above the Earth. Compared to medium- and high-orbit satellites, LEO satellites are closer to the ground, resulting in shorter signal transmission times and easier launch conditions due to lower altitude requirements. These advantages have accelerated the deployment of satellite communication platforms. In 2022, the number of satellites launched into LEO reached 14,710, compared to only 872 in 2008, indicating rapid growth. This trend is expected to continue, with the number projected to reach 46,100 satellites within the next few years. As such, LEO satellite communication systems are driving a new wave in the telecommunications industry.
[Fig] Annual Launch Status of LEO Satellites and the Representative LEO System “Starlink”
Korean companies are also actively entering this field. Insera Solution Co., Ltd. (CEO: Younggwan Kwon), a domestic LEO satellite communication company, successfully raised KRW 300 million in seed funding after its technology was recognized. The company develops devices for optical communication in LEO satellites using Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) technology. Insera Solution has completed a prototype of its high-speed precision FSM, meeting high shock-resistance requirements and demonstrating its technical capabilities. Based on this investment, the company plans to conduct performance testing and expand into the domestic satellite and defense markets.
[Fig] Structure of LEO Satellite Antennas and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
Technology development among domestic LEO satellite communication companies is also active. GTL Co., Ltd., which develops antennas for LEO satellite communications, has developed a technology that enables antennas to track optimal satellite signals based on the average received signal within the LEO network. This technology reduces antenna movement, minimizes power consumption, and extends satellite operational lifespan. In addition, Soltop Co., Ltd. and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) have developed a technology that compares four phase-shifted frames simultaneously to quickly detect and store FSM data. This reduces data loss during transmission and reception, addressing limitations of existing satellite communication systems. As such, efforts to expand LEO satellite communication technologies are actively progressing.
[Fig] GTL’s LEO Satellite Tracking Antenna and the GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) Satellite with Soltop’s Satellite Control System
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the LEO satellite communication market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further emphasized that “securing intellectual property rights for various applications of LEO satellite communication solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#LEOSatelliteCommunication #SatelliteCommunication #LEO #FSM #InseraSolution #GTL #Soltop #KARI
Approximately 37% of the global population—about 2.9 billion people—do not have access to the internet. Traditional communication systems rely on submarine cables and ground-based base stations installed in elevated areas. However, such infrastructure requires significant installation and maintenance costs, making it difficult for developing countries to provide communication services. As a result, so-called connectivity blind spots emerge. To address this issue, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems have been proposed.
[Fig] Overview of Traditional Submarine Cable-Based Communication Systems and LEO Satellite Communication Systems
LEO satellite communication systems provide connectivity by deploying communication satellites at altitudes between 200 km and 2,000 km above the Earth. Compared to medium- and high-orbit satellites, LEO satellites are closer to the ground, resulting in shorter signal transmission times and easier launch conditions due to lower altitude requirements. These advantages have accelerated the deployment of satellite communication platforms. In 2022, the number of satellites launched into LEO reached 14,710, compared to only 872 in 2008, indicating rapid growth. This trend is expected to continue, with the number projected to reach 46,100 satellites within the next few years. As such, LEO satellite communication systems are driving a new wave in the telecommunications industry.
[Fig] Annual Launch Status of LEO Satellites and the Representative LEO System “Starlink”
Korean companies are also actively entering this field. Insera Solution Co., Ltd. (CEO: Younggwan Kwon), a domestic LEO satellite communication company, successfully raised KRW 300 million in seed funding after its technology was recognized. The company develops devices for optical communication in LEO satellites using Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) technology. Insera Solution has completed a prototype of its high-speed precision FSM, meeting high shock-resistance requirements and demonstrating its technical capabilities. Based on this investment, the company plans to conduct performance testing and expand into the domestic satellite and defense markets.
[Fig] Structure of LEO Satellite Antennas and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
Technology development among domestic LEO satellite communication companies is also active. GTL Co., Ltd., which develops antennas for LEO satellite communications, has developed a technology that enables antennas to track optimal satellite signals based on the average received signal within the LEO network. This technology reduces antenna movement, minimizes power consumption, and extends satellite operational lifespan. In addition, Soltop Co., Ltd. and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) have developed a technology that compares four phase-shifted frames simultaneously to quickly detect and store FSM data. This reduces data loss during transmission and reception, addressing limitations of existing satellite communication systems. As such, efforts to expand LEO satellite communication technologies are actively progressing.
[Fig] GTL’s LEO Satellite Tracking Antenna and the GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) Satellite with Soltop’s Satellite Control System
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the LEO satellite communication market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further emphasized that “securing intellectual property rights for various applications of LEO satellite communication solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#LEOSatelliteCommunication #SatelliteCommunication #LEO #FSM #InseraSolution #GTL #Soltop #KARI