[Reading Science] 'Follow Me' Korea's First Domestic Miniature Cluster Satellite to Launch Next Month

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The first micro cluster satellite, marking the start of this year's scheduled domestic private space events, has taken its first step toward launch. The micro cluster satellite No. 1 is scheduled to be launched on the 24th of next month at 9:43 a.m. (6:43 a.m. Korean time).

The first domestically mass-produced practical satellite, micro cluster satellite No. 1, departed for Incheon Airport on the 29th from its hometown, the KAIST Satellite Research Center in Daejeon, receiving a send-off from the research team.

A container carrying the first microsatellite cluster is departing for Incheon Airport as researchers from the KAIST Satellite Research Laboratory in Daejeon watch. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

The satellite began its journey loaded onto a vibration-free vehicle under the protection of the researchers. The container carrying the satellite was prepared to prevent shocks. The satellite, arriving at Auckland Airport in New Zealand on the 4th of next month, will head to the satellite launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, 600 km away from the airport. The local land transport will take about 10 hours.

At the launch site, our researchers will conduct a status check before coupling it with the launch vehicle. On the 24th of next month at 9:43 a.m. (6:43 a.m. Korean time), it will be launched into space aboard Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle, a U.S. private rocket company. Rocket Lab is a Nasdaq-listed company in the U.S. and has as many launch records as SpaceX.

The appearance of the first micro cluster satellite

Lee Sang-yoon, head of the KAIST Satellite Research Center, said, "The research team will accompany the satellite all the way to Incheon Airport and will conduct final tests and coupling work with the launch vehicle in New Zealand."

The micro cluster satellite was originally planned to be launched using the Korean launch vehicle Nuri, developed domestically, but this year it will use a foreign launch vehicle because there is no Nuri launch scheduled this year. If it is not possible to use the Korean launch vehicle in the future, foreign launch vehicles will be used.

Regarding the choice of Rocket Lab, Lee explained, "There was no opportunity to launch this year through SpaceX." He added, "This satellite is the primary payload of the Rocket Lab rocket," and predicted success, saying, "The payload position is better than SpaceX's, and the launch cost is also lower."

Lee Chang-yoon, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "The first prototype production and domestic inspection of the micro cluster satellite, developed in a manner suitable for the new space era, have been smoothly completed, and transportation has begun." He added, "We plan to develop subsequent satellites without delay and utilize cluster operation to enhance national crisis management capabilities such as security, disaster, and calamity."

◇ ‘United We Live’ Micro Cluster Satellite = The micro cluster satellite was developed to conduct high-frequency, precise surveillance of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters and to be used for security and disaster management. Although there is only one satellite this time, a total of 11 will be operated as a cluster by adding 10 more in the future. Following this prototype No. 1, five satellites will be launched in 2026 and another five in 2027.

Micro-Satellite Constellation System Configuration Diagram

The satellite weighs about 100 kg and is equipped with an optical camera capable of distinguishing objects 1 meter in size in black and white and 4 meters in color from an orbit 500 km above the ground. This allows for rapid acquisition of images to understand situations on the Korean Peninsula. The Ministry of Science and ICT expects that cluster operation will shorten the time to acquire mosaic images of the entire Korean Peninsula. Cluster operation has the advantage of continuous observation of the ground. A single satellite can only observe a fixed specific area or capture images of a desired area at specific times along its orbit. However, cluster satellites minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages by flying in formation like migratory birds moving in groups.

Although cluster satellites are spreading, operating them as medium to large satellites is burdensome. Medium to large satellites cost several hundred billion won each. On the other hand, forming a cluster with micro satellites significantly reduces development and launch costs. They are used not only for weather observation, atmospheric analysis, communication relay, and military reconnaissance but also for deep space observation and other purposes.

Because of these advantages, cluster satellites also present opportunities for private space companies. Micro cluster satellites are small in size, allowing multiple satellites to be loaded on a single launch vehicle. They can be used not only in the launch vehicle market but also for various services. SpaceX’s space internet ‘Starlink’ also provides internet service by launching cluster satellites into low Earth orbit. Since 2019, SpaceX has launched Starlink satellites, currently forming a massive cluster of over 6,000 satellites.

On March 12th, Rocket Lab's rocket 'Electron' is heading to space from a launch site in New Zealand. Our first microsatellite swarm, which we developed, will also be launched via this rocket. Photo by Rocket Lab

◇ What kind of company is Rocket Lab, the launch vehicle developer? = KAIST signed a launch contract with Rocket Lab in December last year. This is the first time a domestic satellite will use Rocket Lab’s launch vehicle. Most satellite launches have utilized SpaceX rockets. As of the end of March 2024, 181 satellites have been launched using this company’s rockets. On the 12th, Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket successfully launched for the 45th time. On the 20th, a satellite for the U.S. National Intelligence Agency was also launched aboard Electron.