Next-Generation Medium Satellite 'First Step'... Hanwha Systems Supports Miniaturization and Lightweighting of Core Components

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] South Korea's independently developed 'Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite 1' was successfully launched, with the miniaturization and weight reduction of key components playing a major role.

According to Hanwha Systems on the 23rd, the next-generation medium-sized satellite maintained the reliability of Arirang 3A while reducing its size by half (2.0m×3.8m → 1.4m×1.55m) and decreasing its weight by 600 kg (1100 kg → 500 kg). Hanwha Systems explained that they succeeded in domestic production of the camera control unit and focal plane electronics of the optical payload developed under the supervision of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and miniaturized and lightened the payload to 150 kg to create a 500 kg-class satellite.

Professor Bang Hyochung of KAIST's Department of Aerospace Engineering said, "Private companies played an important role in enhancing the satellite's performance and cost-effectiveness. This marks the first step toward private-led space development rather than government-led space development. This is a global trend." Professor Bang also evaluated that "space development projects are progressing from government to private sector and from large satellites to small satellites."

Hanwha Systems stated, "We are still working on miniaturization and weight reduction of satellites," adding, "We are developing a system for an ultra-small high-performance Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite weighing less than 100 kg, including the main body and payload."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.