Space Agency Holds Ceremony to Commemorate the Start of the Microsatellite Constellation Mission
The first domestically produced mass-produced ultra-small cluster satellite, launched last April, has begun its mission by transmitting photos capturing situations on the ground. The Space Aviation Agency evaluated the photos as the best quality among ultra-small satellites weighing around 100kg.
A photo of Las Vegas, USA, taken by the first micro cluster satellite. Photo by the Aerospace Agency
The Space Aviation Agency and the National Intelligence Service released footage taken by the ultra-small cluster satellite No. 1 on the 7th. This satellite is a practical Earth observation satellite developed to conduct high-frequency, precise monitoring of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters, and to respond to national crises or disasters.
The 100kg-class ultra-small cluster satellite developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Satellite Research Center will be produced up to a total of 11 units and launched into space, where the satellites will operate in a cluster formation.
The footage released by the Space Aviation Agency that day was taken in Las Vegas, Boston, Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and Paris in France. The agency claimed it is the world's highest image quality for a 100kg-class ultra-small satellite. The satellite industry generally views 100kg-class satellites as suitable only for observing ground situations. This is because it is difficult to fully monitor ground conditions with footage taken by ultra-small cluster satellites. In fact, the photos released by the agency resemble images seen on low-resolution CCTV.
The view of the archery venue for the Paris Olympics in France, captured by the first micro cluster satellite. Photo by Space Aviation Agency
Meanwhile, on the 6th, the Space Aviation Agency and the National Intelligence Service held an event at the Maison Glad Hotel in Jeju to commemorate the start of the mission, encouraging the research team and awarding the Space Aviation Agency Director’s Commendation to three key contributors.
Yoon Young-bin, Director of the Space Aviation Agency, said, "This is an important achievement that elevates our country's space industry capabilities to the next level," adding, "We will closely cooperate with the National Intelligence Service to expand the use of cluster-type ultra-small satellites and contribute to the development of the domestic satellite industry and public safety."
Yoon Oh-jun, 3rd Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service, stated, "We will establish an operational system for 11 cluster satellites to actively respond to national security and disasters, and ensure public safety, including the protection of overseas nationals."
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