– KASA Holds Pre-Ship Review for Microsatellite Constellation Satellites 2-6
The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh) announced that it has completed the development of Satellites 2-6, the first batch-produced units of Korea’s first microsatellite constellation, in cooperation with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, President Choong-sik Bae). KASA and KAIST held the Pre-Ship Review (PSR) on August 13 to review the satellites’ readiness for transportation.
The Microsatellite Constellation System Development Project aims to operate a constellation of ten Earth observation microsatellites, each weighing less than 100 kg, to provide high-frequency and precise monitoring of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters. Five of the ten satellites will be arranged across two orbital planes to pass over the same areas at regular intervals. The satellites are equipped with electro-optical cameras capable of acquiring 1-meter-resolution black-and-white images and 4-meter-resolution color images from low Earth orbit.
During the review, KASA and KAIST comprehensively examined the manufacturing and environmental test results of the five batch-produced satellites, their compatibility with the Nuri launch vehicle, launch preparations, and the readiness of ground stations and initial operations. The review confirmed that the satellites are ready for launch.
Satellites 2-6 are Korea’s first batch-produced Earth observation satellites developed through the active application of low-cost components in line with the trends of the New Space era. Following the operation of Satellite 1 (prototype), launched in April 2024, and the verification satellite launched in January this year, improvements in constellation operation technologies and propulsion performance have been incorporated into the manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing processes of the batch-produced satellites.
Satellites 2-6 will be launched aboard the fifth flight of the Nuri launch vehicle from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. After launch, the satellites will conduct initial communications, health checks, payload function tests, and image calibration and validation before beginning constellation operations. Once the full constellation of ten satellites is established by 2027, the system is expected to capture images of the Korean Peninsula more than three times a day and revisit the same locations within 24 hours. This will enable faster acquisition of satellite imagery required for national security and disaster and emergency response.
Jae-heung Han, Director of the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center, stated, “This Pre-Ship Review is highly significant as it demonstrates that preparations have been completed to mass-produce five satellites with the same design and launch and operate them simultaneously. We will successfully carry out the launch of the Nuri vehicle, initial operations, and constellation deployment without disruption.”
Jin-hee Kim, Director General of KASA’s Satellite Directorate, emphasized, “The launch of Satellites 2-6 marks Korea’s first case of simultaneously launching five microsatellites as a constellation. It is significant in that Korea’s satellite development capabilities are transitioning beyond the production of individual satellites toward mass production and constellation operations. By linking the mass production of domestically developed satellites with the utilization of Korean launch vehicles, we will continue strengthening the competitiveness and self-reliance of Korea’s space industry.”