– Tangible Result of Korea-U.S. Artemis Cooperation
– Scheduled for Launch Between February and April; To Perform Space Radiation Observation in High Earth Orbit (HEO)
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin) and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI, President Park Jang-hyun) announced that the CubeSat "K-RadCube," slated for NASA’s Artemis II manned lunar mission, has completed all ground preparations. The satellite is scheduled for launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida between February and April*.
*Official launch windows (EST): Feb 6-8, 10-11 / Mar 6-9, 11 / Apr 1, 3-6.
NASA’s Artemis II mission will conduct test flights of the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. K-RadCube, integrated into the Orion Stage Adapter (OSA), will measure space radiation levels across different altitudes within the Van Allen Radiation Belts. The collected data will be used to analyze the impact of cosmic radiation on astronauts during Earth-Moon transit.
This launch follows the Implementing Agreement (IA) signed between South Korea and the U.S. in May last year. KASI, the lead agency, is responsible for satellite and radiation-measuring payload development, flight certification, data management, and decommissioning. In the private sector, Nara Space Technology developed the CubeSat bus, while KT SAT will manage operations. The secondary payload includes semiconductors from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to verify the operational reliability of space-qualified devices in high-orbit radiation environments. NASA oversees technical support for the integration and launch of K-RadCube.
Upon deployment into high Earth orbit, K-RadCube will establish initial communication with overseas ground stations. Following ground control commands, it will perform step-by-step thruster maneuvers to reach its target orbit. The plan involves raising the perigee altitude to approximately 150km in the initial orbit, followed by an increase to 200km in the second orbit to reach its final station.
As a secondary payload for Artemis II, K-RadCube must overcome technical constraints far exceeding those of typical Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and satisfy NASA’s rigorous safety standards for manned flight. The mission involves significant operational challenges, including enduring the intense vibrations of the SLS, securing rapid communication in the extreme environment of a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), and executing precise orbital maneuvers. The acquired data will be released globally six months after the launch.
"K-RadCube is a significant milestone that internationally validates South Korea’s capabilities in deep space CubeSat development and operation, as well as the safety and reliability technologies applicable to manned space exploration," said KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin. "This will serve as a catalyst for expanding Korea’s technical contributions and role in future lunar and deep space exploration."