Korea AeroSpace Administration

Space verification of a total of 10 types of payloads, including Samsung Electronics DRAM, NAND, KAIST ADC/DAC ASIC, and MID Co. 8 types of localized space-qualified devices, including SRAM[Related National Task] 28. Fostering NEXT Strategic Technologies to Lead the WorldThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI announced on Thursday, December 18, that the E3T*-1 satellite has successfully completed its initial system checks and is now entering its primary mission phase to verify domestically produced space components under the "Domestic Space Device and Part Space Verification Support Project."* Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical TesterFollowing its launch on November 27 aboard the fourth flight of the Nuri rocket, the E3T-1 successfully established two-way communication on Thursday, December 4. Subsequent initial system checks and payload commissioning were conducted, with data analysis on Wednesday, December 17, confirming that all systems are functioning normally. Consequently, the satellite is set to commence its official space verification mission*.* The mission aims to secure "space heritage" for domestic R1U = 10cm x 10cm x 10cm, will operate at an altitude of 600km for the next 6 to 12 months. Its primary task is to verify domestic Rs bus 4U was co-developed by KARI and Nara Space Technology. The payload 8U features Samsung Electronics DRAM and NAND, KAISTs Mixed-Signal IC Lab ADC/DAC ASIC, and MID Co.s SRAM, which includes 8 types of space-qualified devices* localized by KASA in 2024.*These include SRAM MID, D-sub connectors Yonhap Precision, Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors Samwha Capacitor, Thermistors Lattron, Heaters Paru Electronics, Magnetics Sensorpia, Resistors Smart Electronics Inc., and Schottky Diodes Sigetronics, Memspack, all developed with support from KASAs "Space Development Infrastructure Establishment and Outcome Dissemination Project" 2020-2024.Chang-heon Han, Director General of the Aerospace Industry Department at KASA, emphasized, "With the start of the E3T-1 mission, we are now able to secure vital space heritage for domestic devices and parts." He added, "We plan to continue providing verification opportunities for homegrown technologies to support our K-Space ambitions."

- Korea-developed Payloads ROKITS, IAMMAP, and BioCabinet Successfully Complete Initial Test Observations and 3D Printing MissionThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that the key scientific and technological verification payloads onboard the Next-Generation Medium Satellite-3, also known as CAS500-3 Compact Advanced Satellite 500-3, launched on November 27, have maintained stable conditions during the initial two-week operational period and successfully performed functional tests for their observation missions.The satellite is equipped with the following payloads: the Wide-field Atmospheric Light Observation Instrument ROKITS, the Space Plasma-Magnetic Field Sensor IAMMAP, and the Bio 3D Printing-Based Stem Cell 3D Differentiation Culture Verification System BioCabinet. All three payloads have successfully confirmed their initial operational results.[Figure 1.]Left Night image captured by the ROKITS auxiliary camera. Right The image projected onto a map of the corresponding geographical area. southeastern Spain.The Republic of Korea Imaging Test System, ROKITS, developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, is a wide-field camera designed to capture high-resolution images of Earths auroras. During its initial functional check period, ROKITS successfully captured its first test images, verifying its core functionality.Through the test operations, ROKITS confirmed its ability to capture a wide observation range of over 700 km while also capturing detailed terrain, confirming that its imaging functionality is operating normally.Subsequently, ROKITS will collect information essential for predicting space environmental conditions, such as the energy influx into Earths atmosphere, through aurora observations.The Ionospheric Anomaly Monitoring by Magnetometer And Plasma-probe IAMMAP, developed by the KAIST Satellite Research Center, successfully carried out test observations and is currently focused on securing optimal observation conditions for the full-scale mission during its initial operational phase.During the initial operational period, IAMMAP is working to identify optimal observation conditions by analyzing the significant variations in the ionospheric plasma and magnetic field environments as it passes through different regions, such as day and night zones, and polar regions.Through this process, IAMMAP will begin its observation mission to create a global space plasma and magnetic field map that varies by season.The BioCabinet, developed by Hallym University, is successfully carrying out stem cell differentiation and bio 3D printing in a microgravity environment.During the first communication after launch, it was confirmed that the internal environment system required to maintain the survival of stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells iPSCs* is functioning normally.* Induced pluripotent stem cells iPSCs are cells created by reprogramming somatic cells into stem cells. The iPSCs onboard BioCabinet are induced to differentiate into heart cells.Following communication with the ground station, the first bio 3D printing mission was carried out and successfully completed.Kang Kyungin, Director-General of the Space Science and Exploration Directorate, stated, "With all payloads of the CAS500-3 successfully receiving initial data, we expect that ROKITS high-resolution aurora observations and IAMMAPs ionospheric plasma-magnetic field monitoring will allow for more precise measurements of the various changes in the space environment caused by solar activity."

- Cheollian-1 Mission Concludes and Disposal Proposal Approved at the 2nd Cheollian Operations Committee Meeting- Scheduled for Safe Disposal in Compliance with International Standards for Space Debris ReductionThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced on December 9 that it held the 2nd Cheollian Satellite Operations Committee meeting and deliberated and approved the disposal proposal for Cheollian-1 COMS*, Koreas first geostationary multi-purpose satellite. With the successful completion of its mission, Cheollian-1 will officially enter its disposal phase starting from April next year, following the conclusion of its 7th mission extension.* COMS ; Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite< Cheollian Satellite Operations Committee >- Basis : Articles 4 and 5 of the Cheollian Satellite Joint Operations Regulation- Purpose : Efficient operation and joint utilization of Cheollian Satellite- Composition : The committee is composed of 11 members: Chair KASA, 4 government members Ministry of Science and ICT MSIT, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment MCEE, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries MOF, Korea Meteorological Administration KMA, and 6 private sector members. The committee has met twice so far Feb 2025, Dec 2025.Launched in June 2010 and developed and operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, Cheollian-1 successfully carried out its mission for approximately 16 years, far exceeding its original design lifespan of 7 years. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Koreas space development history. During its operation, Cheollian-1 performed a variety of complex tasks, including experimental communications relay and weather and ocean observations.In particular, by providing the first-ever broadband communication and satellite broadcasting trial services using a geostationary satellite in Korea, Cheollian-1 laid the foundation for the development and commercialization of domestic satellite communication technology. The communication mission, currently being carried out by Cheollian-1, will be continued by Cheollian-3, which is under development and will provide public communication services. Additionally, the satellite significantly improved the ability to predict disaster-related weather phenomena such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, and was utilized in monitoring ocean environmental changes, including sea water variation, red tide, and marine pollution. This has greatly contributed to the improvement of public safety and quality of life. Currently, the weather and ocean-related missions are being successfully continued by Cheollian 2A weather and 2B ocean, providing even more advanced services.Meanwhile, the disposal of Cheollian-1 will be carried out in accordance with the "Recommendations for the Development and Operation of Spacecraft for Space Debris Mitigation," which follows international norms for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. KASA and KARI announced that Cheollian-1 will maneuver outside the geostationary orbit protected zone* around July 2026, marking the final end of its operation. They stated that every effort will be made to ensure its safe disposal.*Geostationary Orbit Protected Zone: A region 200 km from an altitude of 35,786 km above the Earths surface.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin evaluated Cheollian-1 as a satellite that laid the foundation for Koreas independence in space technology and the utilization of satellite information, stating, "Not only has it successfully completed its mission, but the responsible decision to dispose of the satellite will also serve as an opportunity to demonstrate to both domestic and international communities our active participation in protecting the space environment and contributing to the global efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities."

- Six CubeSats, including KARIs Deep Space Exploration Satellite, chosen for the missionThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, President Lee Sangchul announced on December 3rd that they have selected a total of six payload satellites for the Koreas homegrown launch vehicle, Nuri, for its 6th launch. The selection process involved an open call held from September 22 to October 24, inviting submissions from industries, universities, research institutions, and government agencies. The satellites were chosen based on expert evaluations.The selected payload satellites for this mission include one 3U*, four 6U, and one 27U CubeSats, which will be launched aboard the Nuri Rockets 6th launch scheduled for 2027. These satellites will undertake various missions.* The unit "U" refers to the standard size specification of CubeSats, where 1U represents a cube with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm. For example, a satellite with dimensions of 10cm width, 10cm height, and 30cm depth is referred to as a 3U CubeSat.One of the 3U CubeSats selected is "SuncheonSat-1" from Suncheon City. This satellite will be used to capture images of the Suncheon Bay National Garden and wetland areas and analyze ecological changes, and verify the performance of space components used by local businesses in Suncheon.The selected missions include K-STAR from the National Security Technology Research Institute NSRI, which focuses on testing and verifying national cybersecurity technologies to address space cyber threats; KAFASAT-2 from the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy, aimed at advancing ultra-small satellite design and development technologies for cadet education and training; GAIMSat-1 from Gwangju Metropolitan City, designed to secure AI onboard data processing technology and verify autonomous flight algorithms; and KMU ET-02 from Kookmin University, which focuses on early disaster detection through nationwide forest species, vegetation, and moisture analysis, while also fostering talent in space and AI.The mission also includes the Deep Space Exploration Demonstration Satellite from KARI, designed to perform trajectory research for future deep space exploration. The mission will use low-thrust propulsion to modify its orbit from low Earth orbit LEO to geosynchronous orbit GSO and will capture images of the Moon and asteroid Apophis.* Geosynchronous Orbit GSO has a 24-hour orbital period and an altitude of approximately 36,000 km.The 6th Nuri launch will carry a total of 13 satellites into space, including 5 micro-satellite constellations NEONSAT 7-11 as the main payloads, along with 6 CubeSats selected through this call for proposals. Additionally, E3T-3 Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical Tester, a satellite for verifying domestic components and parts, currently being developed by KARI, and ADRSat Active Debris Removal Satellite, an active control satellite developed by KAISTs Satellite Research Center as part of the Space Object Active Control Technology Development Project, will also be onboard.Director General Park Jaesung of the Space Transportation Directorate at KASA stated, "The satellites chosen through this call for proposals were prioritized based on their public benefit. These satellites are expected to make a significant contribution to public welfare, including disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, land management, and human resource development." He also added, "KASA will work closely with the selected organizations to ensure the satellites are fully prepared and all necessary measures are taken.

- A New Milestone: KASAReaches 1 Trillion KRW in Budget- Focusing on the Implementation of the New GovernmentsNational Policy Task, Pioneering K-Space with Our Own TechnologyThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that its 2026 budget has been finalized at 1.1201 trillion KRW*, following approval by the National Assembly on December 2nd. This marks an increase of 155.2 billlion KRW 16.1% compared to the 2025 budget of 964.9 billion KRW.*1.1201 trillion KRW is approximately 800 million USD, as of December 2025.The 2026 budget reflects a strategic increase in investments aimed at systematically implementing the new governments national policy task in the aerospace sector, Pioneering K-Space with Our Own Technology. As a result, KASA has officially entered the 1 trillion KRW budget era for the first time.KASA will allocate its 2026 budget to six key areas as follows:266.2 billion KRW for enhancing space transportation capabilities and acquiring new technologies, ② 236.2 billion KRW for innovations in satellite-based communication, navigation, and observation, ③ 96.8 billion KRW for generating future space exploration, ④ 51.1 billion KRW for securing future aviation technologies and supply chain stability, ⑤ 173.8 billion KRW for fostering a private-sector-led industrial ecosystem, ⑥ 255.9 billion KRW for nurturing aerospace talent and advancing practical diplomacy in the space sector.During the National Assembly review, an additional 2 billion KRW was allocated for the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project, which reflects the 2026 preliminary preparation budget necessary for the Nuris 7th launch in 2028. Additionally, as part of efforts to expand human resources in the space sector, the budget for Expanding Aerospace Culture initiative, which supports university and graduate students in developing and launching CubeSats, was increased by 950 million KRW.Administrator Yoon Youngbin of KASA stated, "Following the success of the 4th Nuri launch, we have significantly expanded the budget for new technology development and support for startups and growth in the space sector in 2026, allowing the private sector to become the main driver of space development." He also added, "We will strengthen investments to secure game-changing technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles, by leveraging private sector innovation, and foster the space and aerospace industry as a key national sector."