Solar Array Supply Contract Boosts South Korea satellite program K-LEO
In a significant development for South Korea’s sovereign space capabilities, a new contract has solidified a critical component for its upcoming national security satellite constellation. On March 18, 2026, South Korean firm Flexell Space inked a multi-million euro deal with Lithuanian smallsat expert Kongsberg NanoAvionics to supply advanced solar arrays for the nation’s K-LEO satellite program.
This partnership is a crucial step forward for the ambitious project led by prime contractor Hanwha Systems. The agreement ensures the power systems for a planned 40-satellite constellation designed to enhance the Republic of Korea’s military surveillance and national security.
Powering a Watchful Eye in Orbit for South Korea satellite program
The K-LEO program is designed to provide persistent monitoring of the Korean Peninsula. By deploying a constellation of satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the system aims to achieve a revisit rate of under 30 minutes. This high frequency of observation will grant South Korea’s defense forces an unprecedented level of situational awareness, independent of weather conditions or time of day.
The success of such a constellation hinges on reliable and efficient power generation. Under the new agreement, Kongsberg NanoAvionics will design and manufacture kilowatt-class deployable solar arrays. These arrays will feature a compact “panel-type” design, a key innovation to keep each satellite’s mass under the 150 kg limit. This focus on a lightweight yet powerful design is essential for maximizing launch efficiency and managing the overall cost of deploying the 40-satellite network.
A Strategic Partnership for a Sovereign Goal in South Korea satellite program
The collaboration outlines clear roles to ensure the hardware meets stringent military standards. While Kongsberg NanoAvionics will handle the core design and manufacturing in Lithuania, Flexell Space will manage the final quality inspections and testing in South Korea. As an in-house venture of Hanwha Systems, Flexell is perfectly positioned to ensure the solar arrays comply with all Republic of Korea military requirements before integration.
This contract moves the K-LEO program firmly into its hardware acquisition phase. With program evaluations scheduled for October 2026, the delivery of the first flight-ready solar arrays is slated to begin in the second half of 2027. This timeline aligns with potential first launches for the constellation in late 2026 or 2027, marking a rapid progression for this vital national security initiative. As Hanwha Systems competes for the full 1.2 trillion won ($850 million) build contract, this solar array deal demonstrates tangible progress and a commitment to assembling a world-class supply chain for one of South Korea’s most critical space projects.
