Arianespace to launch KT SAT's next high-throughput satellite, built by AscendArc, on Ariane 6

U.S. satellite manufacturer AscendArc has selected Arianespace to deliver the KOREASAT 9 satellite to GTO aboard an Ariane 6 in the second half of 2028. The mission will lift off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

KOREASAT 9 is a new geostationary telecommunications satellite designed and built by AscendArc to expand KT SAT's capacity and support the growing demand for high-performance connectivity services. Once in its operational position in geostationary orbit, the satellite will provide hundreds of Gbps of Ka-band capacity, extending affordable broadband connectivity to underserved communities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Ariane 6 will inject the satellite into geostationary transfer orbit. The spacecraft will then raise itself to its operational geostationary position using its all-electric propulsion system.

Based in Beaverton, Oregon, AscendArc chose Arianespace to launch KOREASAT-9 based on the Ariane 6's unique ability to deliver such payloads to GTO, leveraging the advantageous position of the Europe's spaceport in French Guiana.

AscendArc specializes in designing and manufacturing low-cost high through-put small satellites that operate from the GEO arc. This will be the AscendArc's inaugural flight.

“We are very honored to have been entrusted by AscendArc with launching their first mission, KOREASAT 9, on an Ariane 6. Our new Multiple Launch System is particularly well suited to AscendArc's requirements and illustrates Ariane 6's ability to provide flexible access to geostationary orbit for a broad range of satellites. Arianespace has decades of experience serving the GEO market, and we look forward to putting that expertise at the service of AscendArc,” said David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace.

Chris McLain, CEO of AscendArc commented: “This agreement underscores how the launch of the KOREASAT 9 will harbor in a new generation of geosynchronous satellites to achieve the most advantageous economics that the satellite industry has provided to-date. We are genuinely thankful for KTSAT's vision and to Arianespace for being such a valuable partner for our inaugural launch.”

"As demand for high-capacity satellite connectivity continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region, this agreement marks an important milestone in KT SAT's next-generation satellite program. Through our partnerships with AscendArc and Arianespace, we look forward to expanding reliable and high-performance connectivity services for customers and communities across the region."  said Kevin Choi, CEO of KT SAT.