Korea launches next-generation mid-sized satellite

(KAI)

South Korea successfully launched its homegrown next-generation mid-sized satellite No. 2 on Sunday, marking a key milestone in achieving technological self-reliance in space and expanding the transfer of public technology to the private sector.

The satellite, developed largely with domestic technology, was built under the leadership of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, with Korea Aerospace Industries participating in the development of a standardized satellite platform.

The satellite was launched at 4 p.m. Korea time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a Falcon 9 operated by SpaceX. It separated successfully from the launch vehicle about 60 minutes later and established its first communication with a ground station in Svalbard, Norway, around 5:15 p.m., according to the Korea AeroSpace Administration.

Weighing 534 kilograms, the satellite is capable of distinguishing objects as small as 0.5 meters in black-and-white and 2 meters in color. It will operate alongside its predecessor launched in 2021, supporting missions such as land resource management and disaster response.

A third satellite in the series, developed as a scientific satellite, was launched in November last year aboard the Nuri rocket and is currently operating successfully. A fourth satellite is scheduled for launch in July.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said the joint operation of satellites No. 1 and No. 2 will enable faster and more diverse geospatial data services.

Oh Tae-seok, head of the space agency, described the launch as “a significant milestone opening the era of private-led New Space,” adding that the deployment of a high-resolution optical camera on a 500-kilogram-class standardized platform will strengthen South Korea’s technological capabilities and competitiveness in the satellite industry.

The agency also aims to enter the global satellite export market by developing cost-efficient mid-sized satellites led by private industry. It plans to pursue export opportunities in regions such as Saudi Arabia, Peru and Indonesia, potentially linking them with aircraft exports.