South Korea achieved a significant milestone in its space endeavors with the launch of its first nanosatellite, NEONSAT-1. It is a small, light satellite, weighing less than 100 kg, developed to bolster the nation’s surveillance capabilities and disaster monitoring systems. The satellite lifted off from a spaceport in Mahia, New Zealand, at 7:32 a.m. via Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.
NEONSAT-1, designed for precise surveillance of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding seas, separated from the launch vehicle approximately 50 minutes after liftoff. It promptly established communication with ground stations, including one in Daejeon and another at King Sejong Station in Antarctica, confirming its successful deployment. NEONSAT-1 will now begin its initial operational procedures.
Developed between the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Satrec Initiative, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), NEONSAT-1 can capture high-resolution images of the Korean Peninsula at least three times a day. South Korea invested W231.4 billion in the project for national security and disaster response purposes. This project will take eight years to complete.
South Korea aims to create a satellite constellation by launching five additional nanosatellites in 2026 and 2027. When fully operational, this satellite constellation will provide extensive coverage of the Korean Peninsula, aiding in crisis response during abnormal weather phenomena or disasters like typhoons or wildfires.
With the deployment of NEONSAT-1 and plans for further satellite launches, South Korea will undoubtedly enhance its disaster management and national security and see new economic opportunities within the space industry.