Republic of Korea’s second KASS satellite to enable expansion of UAS and UAM operations

The Republic of Korea’s second Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) satellite is to enter into official operation on February 19 to enhance signal continuity and stability, enabling the expansion of uncrewed aerial systems and urban air mobility.

KASS 2 was launched in November. KASS 1 was launched in June 2022 and has reduced GPS errors (from 15-33 m to 1-1.6 m) and provides precise positioning information to international standards.

Since its launch in November 2024, KASS 2 has successfully completed performance verification, including ground-satellite integration testing and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) performance standards. 

With the simultaneous operation of KASS satellites 1 and 2, a signal can be utilised even in the event of system failure. A pilot study to further analyse and verify the effectiveness of KASS was launched in December.

In a January 8 statement, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said it is “strengthening the foundation for expanding the precision location information provided by the KASS beyond the aviation sector to diverse areas, including future mobility (UAM, autonomous vehicles), disaster, safety and navigation.”

The KASS Precision Location Information System – KASS Data Access System (KDAS), which provides KASS precision location information online, was completed in December 2025. MOLIT plans to initially provide it to the private sector for use in developing services.

For more information

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport – Republic of Korea

Image: Manseok Kim / Pixabay

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