Korea’s Chollian-2A satellite to launch in Dec.

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Korea’s Chollian-2A satellite to launch in Dec.

Published: 30 Aug. 2018, 20:07

Researchers at Korea Aerospace Research Institute insert the Chollian-2A geostationary satellite into a thermal vacuum chamber to test whether it operates normally under space conditions at the institute’s research lab in Daejeon in April. [Researchers at Korea Aerospace Research Institute insert the Chollian-2A geostationary satellite into a thermal vacuum chamber to test whether it operates normally under space conditions at the institute’s research lab in Daejeon in April. [KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE]

Korea’s Chollian-2A, a geostationary satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), will be launched into space by the end of this year, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT on Thursday.

Chollian-2A, also known as Geo-Kompsat-2A, is one of two follow-up satellites to Chollian-1, Korea’s first geostationary satellite launched in June 2010. Chollian-1’s lifespan was expected to come to an end last year, but the satellite remains operational.

While the first satellite was designed for oceanography, meteorological observation and satellite communications, Chollian-2A will concentrate on monitoring space weather alongside more terrestrial meteorology.

Another satellite, dubbed Chollian-2B, is currently under development and will monitor the oceans and atmosphere around the Korean Peninsula. Chollian-2B is expected to be launched into space next year.

Source: Ministry of Science and ICT

KARI said that all necessary tests before launch have been completed for 2A. The satellite will be transferred to a launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, in early October. It is scheduled to be launched into space in December using a launch vehicle made by French company Arianespace.

The 2A satellite was developed mostly by KARI with an advanced meteorological imaging system containing a sensor module for meteorological observations sourced from American technology company Harris. The satellite cost a total of 325.2 billion won ($293.2 million) to build, with the Science Ministry investing 167.7 billion won and Korea Meteorological Administration investing the rest.

The new satellite is expected to greatly enhance the country’s weather monitoring system, according to the Science Ministry. The satellite can gather 52 different types of information related to fine dust particles as well as yellow dust and heavy rain in four times better resolution than its predecessor. It will also deliver the data 18 times faster.

Chollian-1 delivers 16 types of weather data.

After its launch, 2A will orbit about 36,000 kilometers (22,369 miles) from earth at a longitude of 128.2 degrees east. The satellite will run test operations for six months before its weather service goes online, the Science Ministry said.

BY KIM JEE-HEE [[email protected]]