What Space and Earth Technology System does

Space and Earth Technology System (SETsystem) is a Seoul-based space situational awareness (SSA) company founded in 2006. It develops and operates observation systems used to characterize the space radio environment, Earth magnetic field, and ocean surface, with a stated specialization in space weather forecasting and radar-based monitoring. The company's technology base rests on astronomy-derived capabilities — adaptive optics, precision pointing and tracking, and radio signal processing — applied across radar, solar physics, geomagnetic, and ocean observation domains.

The company sells a portfolio of integrated hardware and software products. Hardware includes Korea's first domestically developed HF ocean radar (SEODAE) using FMCW/FMICW waveforms for ocean current, wave, ship, and sea-surface-wind detection; an X-band PESA radar with narrow beamwidth for small-target detection; 2.8GHz solar flux receivers; multi-frequency solar radio telescopes covering 20 frequency bands; IPS-array solar wind ground observers; INTERMAGNET-compliant geomagnetic observatories; GIC monitoring systems for substations; and aircraft detection M&C systems. The proprietary software layer comprises radio telescope control and analysis suites, MUSIC-algorithm-based ocean current mapping, CA-CFAR target detection, Type II/III solar burst auto-detection models, GIC prediction tooling, and tracking radar M&C software deployed at the Naro Space Center and Jeju tracking station.

SET System's revenue model is project-based and government-anchored. It secures contracts through competitive R&D bids from Korean national research institutes and ministries — including the National Radio Research Institute (Space Radio Center), Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), National Geographic Information Institute, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Naro Space Center, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries — and earns recurring revenue through long-term managed maintenance contracts for installed radar, radio telescope, and VLBI systems. In November 2021 it expanded scope by partnering with Seoul National University and Metaspace to develop ultra-high-speed space optical communication, with planned participation in NASA's LCRD experiment and a follow-on joint startup.

Name

Space and Earth Technology System

Legal name

주식회사 에스이티시스템 (SETsystem, Inc.)

Website

https://setsystem.co.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Space and Earth Technology System (SETsystem) is a Seoul-based space situational awareness firm that develops space weather observation systems, radar platforms, and related software, serving Korean government research institutes and national agencies such as KASI, NGI, and the National Radio Research Institute.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Situational Awareness and Observation Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Space Research and Technology (92711)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Space Defense & Missile Warning (BPAIAHAF), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems (IMABAMAL), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI)

Keywords

• Space situational awareness
• Space weather observation
• HF ocean radar
• Solar radio monitoring
• Geomagnetic monitoring systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government R&D Project Contracts: Secures revenue through national research and development projects funded by government agencies including the National Radio Research Institute, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, National Geographic Information Institute, and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
2. Custom Hardware and Software Sales: Designs, manufactures, and sells specialized hardware (radar systems, receivers, observatories) and software products (control, analysis, detection software) to government and research institution customers.
3. Observation Equipment Operation and Maintenance Services: Provides long-term hardware and software maintenance services for large-scale radio telescopes and observation networks operated by national institutes, including VLBI systems.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

SET SYSTEM designs, manufactures, and integrates specialized space situational awareness and Earth observation hardware (HF ocean radar, X-band PESA radar, solar flux receivers, IPS radio telescopes, geomagnetic observatories, GIC monitoring systems, aircraft detection M&C) and the associated control, analysis, and detection software. The company delivers these systems to Korean government agencies and national research institutes and provides long-term maintenance and operation services for deployed radio telescope and VLBI observation networks.

Product overview

SET SYSTEM (Space and Earth Technology System) offers a comprehensive portfolio of space and Earth observation systems comprising hardware products and software solutions. The hardware line includes HF Ocean Radar (SEODAE) for ocean current detection, X-band PESA radar for UAV/small object detection, 2.8GHz solar flux receivers, solar wind ground observers (IPS arrays), broadband solar radio noise receivers, geomagnetic observatories, GIC monitoring systems, and aircraft detection M&C systems. The software suite includes radio telescope control and analysis software, ocean current observation software, space weather software (with Type II/III solar burst auto-detection and GIC prediction), target detection software using CA-CFAR algorithms, and tracking radar M&C software. These products serve space weather monitoring, ocean observation, radar surveillance, and satellite communication applications, with a focus on domestically developed technologies for Korean government agencies and research institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 100x faster data transmission compared to radio communication in space optical communication applications
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Seoul National University Astronomy and Space Research Center (서울대 천문우주연구센터)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2021Strategic partnership for developing ultra-high-speed space optical communication technology using laser communication. Seoul National University provides adaptive optics expertise and optical telescope facilities; SET SYSTEM handles hardware/instrumentation development. Joint goal is to complete technology development within 2 years and establish a startup. The partnership also plans participation in NASA's LCRD space optical communication experiment.
• Metaspace (메타스페이스)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2021Three-party strategic alliance with Seoul National University and SET SYSTEM for space optical communication technology development. Metaspace provides precision pointing and tracking technology for optical communication, having built satellite tracking platforms and optical communication telescopes. All three parties are founded by Seoul National University physics and astronomy department alumni. A joint startup is planned.
• NASAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSET SYSTEM and Metaspace plan to participate in NASA's LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration) space optical communication experiment, planned for launch on December 4. NASA opened the LCRD research to global researchers, and the Korean team plans to contribute to space optical communication technology realization through this project.
• Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (한국천문研究院)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership as a KASI family company. SET SYSTEM provides wide-field observation system, optical telescope maintenance (Boehyunsan, Lemonsan, VLBI), and develops equipment for KASI facilities including the SLR system and tracking radar. Multiple annual project contracts for telescope operations and observation system upgrades.
• National Geographic Information Institute (국토지리정보원)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLong-term maintenance service provider for geodetic VLBI hardware and software systems since 2011. Annual maintenance contracts covering 2011-2022 with ongoing work on space geodetic observation systems.
• National Radio Research Institute (국립전파연구원)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing R&D collaboration for space radio environment observation systems. Projects include solar flare type observation system SW development (2019), geomagnetic induced current measurement system development (2012), and space radio environment observation system maintenance (2011-present).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Saab: Saab produces surveillance radars, air traffic management, and space-related systems including AESA radar. Comparable in radar product portfolio and defense/government customer focus, with global commercial reach.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos operates space tracking radars, satellite communication ground systems, and uncrewed systems. A broad incumbent in the same defense/space technology category as SET SYSTEM, with substantially larger scale and global footprint.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI): KAI manufactures aircraft, helicopters, and satellites and operates Korean launch facilities. A regional incumbent in aerospace that competes for related government programs and has the scale to integrate vertically into SSA and observation systems.
• Thales Group: Thales develops ground-based and naval radars, space systems, and air traffic management solutions. A broad incumbent in radar and space technology with global scale and diversified customer base.
• Hanwha Systems: Hanwha Systems is a Korean defense electronics and aerospace company with radar, electronic warfare, and space surveillance capabilities. A broad incumbent that could absorb SET SYSTEM's niche as Korea's defense space market matures.
• Ball Aerospace: Ball Aerospace develops space instruments, sensors, and observation systems including weather and atmospheric monitoring payloads. Comparable in space instrument manufacturing and government customer base, with substantially broader space systems portfolio.

Regional players

• LIG Nex1: LIG Nex1 is a major Korean defense prime developing precision-guided weapons, radar, and electronic warfare systems. Competes with SET SYSTEM for Korean defense R&D programs and has significantly larger resources, particularly relevant as Korea's defense space sector expands.

Direct peers

• LeoLabs: LeoLabs operates a global network of phased-array radars for space situational awareness and orbital tracking. Directly comparable to SET SYSTEM's radar-based SSA work and tracking radar capabilities, though focused on commercial LEO object tracking rather than space weather.
• ExoAnalytic Solutions: ExoAnalytic Solutions provides space domain awareness using optical and radar sensors, with strong US Department of Defense and Space Force relationships. Comparable in SSA focus and government contracting model, with deeper DoD penetration.

Emerging players

• AGI (Analytical Graphics Inc.): AGI provides space situational awareness software, orbital analysis tools, and simulation platforms used by defense and commercial satellite operators. Complementary to SET SYSTEM's hardware SSA work, providing software-side SSA capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/setsystem.co.kr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Space and Earth Technology System