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Research Article

Global trends in commercial ground station technologies and space security strategies
Myungjun Kim1*
,
Sunghyuck Lee1
,
Jeongho Han1
,
Junbeom Bang1
,
Yongha Kim2
,
Hojong Lee2
1Department of Aeronautical and Mechanical Design Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, South Korea
2School of Mechanical Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejoen 34134, South Korea
*Corresponding Author
31 December 2025. pp. 45-61
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Abstract

With the rapid advancement of the New Space era, global competition in space technology development is intensifying. A prominent example is SpaceX's Starlink project in the United States, which aims to deploy approximately 40,000 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030. In South Korea, following the successful launch of the nanosatellite constellation NeonSat-1, plans are in place to launch and operate a total of 11 satellites by 2027. The efficient operation of such nanosatellite constellations and multi-mission satellite systems necessitates the use of either dedicated national ground stations or commercial ground stations that ensure space security. This study examines the operational frameworks and infrastructure of ground stations in leading space nations, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. A comparative analysis is conducted on the locations, infrastructure, and operational strategies of both domestic and international ground stations. Additionally, the study explores technological advancements in commercial ground station service providers such as KSAT, SSC, and CONTEC, assessing their potential integration into South Korea’s satellite operation strategies. Furthermore, this research examines key space security considerations for satellite and ground station operations, addressing emerging threats and technological advancements in the space domain. Based on these findings, security measures are proposed to enhance the resilience, reliability, and cybersecurity of satellite-ground station networks, ensuring robust protection against evolving space security challenges.

Keywords
New space
Low-earth orbit
Ground station
Artificial satellite
Space security
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Academy of Space Security
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국우주안보학회
  • Journal Title :JOURNAL OF SPACE SECURITY
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국우주안보학회지
  • Volume : 2
  • No :2
  • Pages :45-61
  • Received Date : 2025-03-04
  • Revised Date : 2025-07-02
  • Accepted Date : 2025-11-20
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.23386/joss.2025.2.2.005
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