The CAS500-3 is a next-generation mid-size satellite developed by Korea Aerospace Industries measuring 1.92 m in diameter, 1.76 m in height and 516 kg in weight. In the latest launch of the homegrown space rocket Nuri, the satellite was mounted on a multi-satellite adapter using a satellite separation device, while 12 CubeSats were placed in individual launch tubes. (Korea AeroSpace Administration)

By Charles Audouin

The domestically developed rocket Nuri (KSLV-II) does not merely blast off into space but brings homegrown satellites into orbit.

The fourth blastoff of the launch vehicle came in the early hours of Nov. 27 carrying a record-high 13 domestically developed satellites carried into space.

The key device taken into orbit was the CAS500-3, a next-generation mid-size satellite. Rising volatility in the space environment have been caused by recent solar flares, with auroras seen even in low latitudes and resulting in communication disruptions.

Equipment to resolve these issues was installed on the satellite including devices for observation of auroras and space plasma and stem cell experiments in a microgravity.

The Republic of Korea Imaging Testing System (ROKITS), which was developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, is a wide-field camera to observe auroras and air glow that can capture a 700 km-wide area at a glance.

The device records the extent and changes of auroras in high resolution, especially the "midnight region" on the opposite side of the sun previously difficult to observe. Thus it provides pivotal information for predicting the space environment including analysis of energy that enters Earth's atmosphere.

The ionospheric anomaly monitoring by magnetometer and plasma-probe developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) measures plasma and magnetic field changes at the same time in the ionosphere at altitudes of 100-1,000 km.

This allows analysis of ionospheric disturbances that disrupt communication and GPS and energy transfer mechanisms by observing the equatorial electrojet and equatorial ionization anomalies.

Hallym University's BioCabinet is an automated experimental device capable of 3D printing and cell culture in space even if the International Space Station is unavailable.

By studying the 3D tissue formation of cardiac stem cells and vascular cell differentiation of tonsil-derived stem cells in a microgravity environment, BioCabinet is expected to lay the basis for space medicine and cardiovascular treatment technology.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration called this "the first space bio experiment conducted on a Korean satellite."

Researchers on Nov. 27 conduct satellite control operations for the CAS500-3, a next-generation medium-size satellite, at the integrated satellite control center of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in Daejeon. (KARI)

Nuri this time also carried 12 ultra-small cube satellites (CubeSats). Measuring 10 cm each in length, width and height and weighing 2-20 kg, they were developed by domestic companies, universities and think tanks.

Inha University's Inha RoSAT is the world's first satellite to carry a solar cell module for microsatellites.

Quaternion's Pausat 01 will monitor ocean debris currents around Jeju Island and verify homegrown components for CubeSats. KAIST's K-Hero will demonstrate Hall thrusters for microsatellites.

Nuri also carried research satellites developed by institutions like KARI, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Sejong University and Seoul National University as well as five companies.

caudouin@korea.kr