Jakarta, INTI - South Korea is set to launch its fourth medium-sized Earth observation satellite using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday local time, as part of its efforts to strengthen domestic satellite-based Earth observation capabilities.
The launch was announced by the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), according to Yonhap News Agency.
The 500-kilogram satellite has completed a month-long series of functional tests and fueling procedures and is now in final preparation for launch.
After liftoff, the satellite is scheduled to separate from the launch vehicle approximately two hours and 22 minutes later.
Equipped with Domestic Imaging Technology
About 31 minutes after separation, the satellite will establish its first communication with Earth via the Svalbard ground station in Norway.
The satellite carries several payloads developed in South Korea, including a key imaging system capable of capturing the entire Korean Peninsula every three days.
Supporting Agriculture, Disaster Response, and Climate Monitoring
The Earth observation satellite is expected to support a wide range of applications, including agriculture, forestry management, forest change monitoring, disaster response, climate change analysis, and public safety enhancement.
The mission is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its Earth observation capabilities through domestically developed satellite technology.
Conclusion
South Korea’s upcoming launch of its fourth Earth observation satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 marks another step in strengthening its national space-based monitoring capabilities. With domestically developed imaging technology and wide-ranging applications from agriculture to disaster response, the mission underscores the country’s commitment to advancing independent and practical satellite-driven Earth observation systems.
Read more: After 11 Years of Ban, Reddit can Now Be Opened without VPN