Researchers from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) on May 3 observe the launch of CAS500-2, a next-generation mid-size satellite, on the rocket SpaceX Falcon 9 from the satellite tracking ground station. (KARI)
By Kang Gahui
Compact Advanced Satellite- 2 (CAS500- 2), the first device of its kind independently developed under the supervision of a private entity, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), was launched into space on May 3.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) said the satellite was launched at 3:59 p.m. Korean Standard Time aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.
The satellite was separated from the launch vehicle about 60 minutes after takeoff and established communication on all five attempts.
To be used for ground observation, the device was part of a plan to secure a 500 kg-class standard platform and facilitate transfer technology to the private sector. With a weight of 534 kg, it can perform precise observation with a resolution of 0.5 m for black and white images and 2 m for those in color.
CAS500-2's development was led by KAI, the first private entity to take the lead in such a project in the country. The company played a role in the first satellite project in 2015 and acquired the relevant technology, and has led the development of the latest satellite since 2018.
The participation of private companies in this venture such as KAI, Hanwha Systems, Genoco and Lumir is considered to have shifted the focus of the domestic structure for satellite development from public think tanks to industry.
The CAS500-2 will undergo a trial period of about four months before being used in land and resource management and disaster response from the second half of the year, along with CAS500-1.
"The successful launch of the CAS500-2 is a major milestone that ushers in the 'new space' era led by the private sector," KASA Administrator Oh Taeseog said. "We look forward to entering overseas markets through the development of low-cost and multipurpose mid-size satellites based on standard platforms."
kgh89@korea.kr
