Korea’s Space Program On Schedule

Plans to send the Arirang Two, a satellite able to transmit high-resolution images that match those taken by sophisticated surveillance satellites, into orbit this May, and plans to develop a rocket are proceeding as scheduled.

“It can distinguish buses and automobiles on the roads,” says Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) researcher Dr. Lee Joo-jin, who is charge of the Arirang Two’s development.

The satellite’s camera, developed in cooperation with Israel, has a large concave mirror and countless electronic parts that process and transmit data. Camera resolution has been improved approximately 40 times compared to its predecessor, Arirang One.

Arirang Two is currently in its final testing stage. As soon as the tests are over, it will be sent to Russia for launching. About 80 percent of Arirang Two has been produced domestically.

Although high-resolution satellite images are for sale on the private market, experts point out that when it comes to satellite images, it is important to be able to obtain information on demand. The Arirang Two can accurately film the Korean peninsula with digital images and provide them on demand.

Another division of KARI is busy designing the KSLV-1, a joint Korea-Russia rocket project that will launch next year.

“The first stage liquid-fuel engine is being developed in Russia, while the second stage solid-fuel motor is being developed in Korea,” said Dr. Park Jung-joo. About 20 Korean researchers have been sent to Russia as well.

After a partial assembly of the rocket system, it will undergo comprehensive testing, and is scheduled to launch sometime in the middle of next year.

The Science and Technology Satellite Two that will be loaded onto the rocket has already been developed and in production.

Construction work is in full swing at Korea’s new space launch base in Oinalodo, Goheung-gun, Jeonnam, and it will begin test operations in October.

“About 60 percent of the facility construction is complete. We plan to test-operate all of the base facilities in October except for the launching pad,” Dr. Yoo Jung-joo of KARI said. “If we succeed in launching our rocket with a satellite aboard, Korea’s space technology will rank among the world’s top ten.”

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