An overview of the Korea multi-purpose satellite (KOMPSAT)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Korea has initiated its own space program since 1990, successfully launching its first microsatellite into the earth orbit in 1992, and scientific sounding rockets in 1993. Broadcast and communications satellites were launched in geostationary orbit in 1995. A multipurpose satellite, KOMPSAT is under the joint-development with an American company with its launch target in mid 1999. Recently, the national space development plan has been approved in the Commission headed by the Prime Minister. Korea Aerospace Research Institute(KARI) has been developing KOMPSAT, a small 510-kg earth observation satellite with an orbital altitude of 685 kilometers, jointly with a US-based firm, TRW. Once developed, KOMPSAT is expected to help Korea accumulate space technology in short time to eventually become one of the world’s top ten nations in the space technology sector by the year 2010. KOMPSAT’s payload will include high-resolution electro-optical camera, ocean observation camera, ionosphere measurement sensor, and high-energy particle detector. This paper addresses an Overview of the Korea Mult-Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT) system : its background, specifications and performance, design concepts, joint development description, development schedule, launch vehicle, AIT facility, ground station, etc.