Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 Launched into Space Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 (Comprehensive)
May 3 Launch from Kennedy Space Center, U.S.
Strengthening Korea's Self-Reliance in Space Technology
The "Land Satellite 2" (Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2), which will perform national land resource management and disaster response missions, launched into space on May 3. This satellite is particularly significant as both its main body and core payload components were independently developed, thereby strengthening the nation's self-reliance in space technology.
According to Korean Standard Time, the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 was launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 at 3:59 p.m. on May 3 (local time: 11:59 p.m. on May 2) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States. The satellite separated from the launch vehicle at approximately 5:00 p.m., about 60 minutes after launch.
Subsequently, at around 5:15 p.m., it succeeded in establishing its first communication with the Svalbard ground station in Norway, confirming that the main system was operating normally. The Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 will undergo an initial four-month operational phase before commencing its official missions in the second half of this year.
Developed under the leadership of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 weighs 534 kg and is equipped with ground observation capabilities that can distinguish objects of 0.5 meters in black and white and 2 meters in color. KAI participated in the development project for the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 1 in 2015, collaborating with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to acquire technology transfer, and has since completed the development of the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 as the lead organization starting in 2018.
Originally, the satellite was scheduled to launch on a Russian rocket in 2022, but this plan was canceled due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Thus, this achievement comes after overcoming several challenges over four years.
The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) stated that the launch of the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 is expected to lay the foundation for the development of subsequent satellites and to strengthen the competitiveness of the national space industry.
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Tae seog Oh, Administrator of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), emphasized, "The successful launch of the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 marks an important milestone in ushering in an era of NewSpace led by the private sector. By equipping a 500 kg-class standard platform with high-resolution black-and-white and color optical cameras, we can independently secure ultra-high-definition imagery needed for land and disaster management across the Korean Peninsula. This has greatly enhanced the internalization of technology and competitiveness within Korea's satellite industry."
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