Initial Operations Underway, Satellite Status Confirmed as Nominal
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI, President Lee Sangchul) announced that Arirang 7 (Korean Multi-Purpose Practical Satellite 7, KOMPSAT-7), was successfully launched from the French Guiana Space Center at approximately 2:21 a.m. KST on December 2 (2:21 p.m. local time, December 1). Following the launch, the satellite successfully established its first communication with the KARI’s Ground Station in Daejeon, South Korea at around 1:40 p.m.
About 44 minutes after liftoff, Arirang 7 successfully separated from the VEGA-C rocket.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. KST, the satellite established its first communication with the Troll ground station in Antarctica and deployed its solar panels for power generation.
KARI continued communication with the Svalbard Satellite Station in the far north, following its communication with the Troll Satellite Station at the southernmost point of the Earth, while closely monitoring the satellite’s status. In particular, when the deployment of the X-band antenna, a key piece of equipment for transmitting image data, was successfully completed, a cheer of relief erupted among the on-site researchers who had been anxiously watching overnight.
After over 10 communications with international ground stations, Arirang 7 successfully established communication with the KARI’s Ground Station in Daejeon at around 1:40 p.m. This confirmed that both the satellite and its payload were in good condition, marking the successful completion of all key procedures from launch to domestic communication.
Through the initial communication checks, it was confirmed that the satellite's functions, including the Control Moment Gyro*, are operating nominally.
*The Control Moment Gyro (CMG) is applied to the satellite for the first time in Korea, ensuring high-mobility performance.
Arirang 7 will conduct orbital testing and initial operations to check the satellite's initial activation and payload integration. Starting in the first half of 2026, it plans to provide full-scale ultra-high-resolution (0.3m-class) ground observation imagery.
The successful launch of Arirang 7 demonstrates that Korea has independently developed 0.3m-class ultra-precision technology, which is possessed by only about five countries worldwide.
KASA Administrator Yoon stated, "Arirang 7, now in orbit, has flawlessly completed all initial operational procedures, including the deployment of solar panels and antennas," and added, "Through more proactive space development, we will expand high-quality satellite information services that can provide tangible benefits to the lives of our citizens."