Busan Launches Its First Maritime Observation Satellite "BusanSat"... "First by a Local Government"

Successful Separation and Stable Entry into 615 km Orbit

Direct Acquisition of Fine Dust and Climate Data

Busan has launched its own maritime observation satellite.

The Busan Metropolitan Government announced on May 4 that its ultra-small satellite, "BusanSat," was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, on May 3 at 4:00 p.m. (Korean time) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Approximately two hours after launch, the satellite successfully separated at an altitude of 615 km. It then established its first communication with the Punta Arenas ground station in Chile later the same day, confirming its entry into orbit. This marks the beginning of its initial operation phase.

"BusanSat" is an ultra-small satellite weighing 12 kg, built to the 12U standard. It was jointly developed by local universities, research institutes, and companies. Over the next year, it will observe the Busan Port, the west coast of Korea, and the Pacific Ocean region.

Busan New Tram Track Separation Scene.
[Image Source=Busan City]

The observation data will be used for analyzing marine fine dust, air quality, and climate change research. It is particularly significant that Busan will be able to secure the data independently.

The core equipment onboard is a polarization camera. The technology, previously used on Korea’s lunar orbiter "Danuri," has been adapted for Earth observation. This allows for analysis of the size and composition of fine dust particles, which is difficult with standard cameras. The observation range also includes clouds.

The city plans to establish a research ecosystem combining maritime and space technology based on the satellite data. Busan will expand its cooperation in data processing and utilization with organizations such as NASA and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

Kim Kyungdeok, Acting Mayor of Busan, emphasized, "The launch of BusanSat marks the starting point for securing maritime environmental data directly," adding, "We will expand our cooperation to link this achievement to climate change response and the development of new maritime industries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.