KT prepares for launch of new telecom satellite

Korea’s KT Corp. said yesterday it will put its fourth commercial satellite into orbit in late July, becoming the first domestic firm to launch a satellite from a sea-based platform located in the Pacific Ocean. The Koreasat-5 satellite named “Mugunghwa No. 5” will be launched from a platform south of Hawaii. The sea-based launch will save costs, be safer and be more environmentally friendly, KT said. The maritime satellite launch will be the first of its kind by a Korean firm and 23rd in the world, it said. The launch project will be led by Sea Launch, a joint venture established in 1995 by Boeing Co. of the United States, Energia of Russia and several European firms. The satellite will replace the Koreasat-2 satellite in providing wireless communications and broadcasting services for both the private and military sectors, KT said. KT, which put the nation’s first commercial satellite in space in 1995, now owns three communications satellites in orbit. Weighing 4,450 kilograms (9,810 pounds), the Mugunghwa No. 5 is 1,650 kilograms heavier than Mugunghwa No. 3 and has been optimized for receiving large-sized multimedia content.