**LIG Nex1 Selected as Preferred Negotiation Partner; KAI Raises Concerns**
In the process of bidding for the development project of the Cheollian Satellite 5, which is the first satellite development project led by the private sector in South Korea, some disputes have arisen. LIG Nex1 has been chosen as the preferred negotiation partner for the satellite’s main body development, but Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a competitor, is expected to challenge this decision.
According to sources from the Aerospace Agency and the space industry on the 22nd, the Cheollian Satellite 5 project committee recently selected LIG Nex1 as the preferred partner for the “geostationary weather and space weather satellite system and main body development” project.
Cheollian Satellite 5 is designed to succeed the missions of Cheollian Satellites 1 and 2A as a weather satellite and is the first satellite development project in South Korea led by the private sector. This large-scale national research and development project will run until 2031, with a total investment of 600.8 billion won. It includes tasks for systems and main bodies, weather instruments, and space weather instruments, with the private sector leading the system and main body development valued at 323.8 billion won.
KAI filed a grievance on the 10th after the project committee selected LIG Nex1 as the preferred negotiation partner on April 1st. KAI raised concerns about the selection process, questioning LIG Nex1’s track record in satellite system or main body development and its lack of satellite assembly and testing facilities. KAI argues there were issues in the technical evaluation process. According to the procedure, the Korea Meteorological Industry Technology Institute, which announced the project, must respond to any objections within 30 days and is currently preparing a response.