First Domestic SAR Performance 'Best'... Captured Global Spots in Ultra-High Definition

KAIST, Video Released on the 5th

The performance of the first domestically produced satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of penetrating clouds and observing the ground even in darkness has been confirmed to be excellent. SAR is essential for Earth observation and reconnaissance via satellites as it can capture images 24 hours a day regardless of weather or time. However, until now, most components had to be imported, causing significant budget waste.

Hallasan National Park photographed by Cha So-hyung No. 2. Photo by KAIST

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) revealed on the 5th ground images captured by the Next-Generation Small Satellite 2 (ChaSoHyeong 2), the third main payload satellite of the Nuri rocket launched from the Naro Space Center on May 25.

ChaSoHyeong 2 carries a SAR developed by KAIST using 99% domestically produced technology and equipment as its main payload. SAR transmits radio waves to the ground and receives the waves scattered back from the surface, processing the signals to generate images. It is unaffected by day or night lighting and can perform ground observation regardless of weather conditions such as clouds. With a resolution of 5 meters and an observation width of 40 km, it enables Earth observation. It is expected to achieve higher precision with future advancements. Above all, it is cost-effective. The multipurpose practical satellite (Arirang) 6, which also carries a SAR made from imported foreign components, required about 338.5 billion KRW for technology development. The cost paid last year for launching it via a Russian rocket reached 28.7 billion KRW. In contrast, ChaSoHyeong 2 was developed for only 24 billion KRW by utilizing commercial off-the-shelf products.

Jang Bogo Station in Antarctica photographed by Cha Sohyeong No. 2. Photo by KAIST

The test observation images released that day were captured during the initial operation period while testing the SAR payload. The images are characterized by capturing the world using microwaves rather than visible light.

Alongside this, KAIST checked the functionality of the scientific payload ‘LEO-DOS’ during the initial operation period and confirmed its normal operation, securing space radiation observation data through test operations. LEO-DOS is a Low-Earth Orbit space radiation dosimeter developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. Additionally, during the initial operation period, four domestically developed core technology verification payloads from industry, academia, and research institutes were confirmed to be operating normally through test operations: ▲ GPS-Galileo combined navigation receiver ▲ thermal control device using phase change materials ▲ X-band GaN-based power amplifier ▲ solar array device.

Alps Matterhorn photographed by Cha So-hyung No. 2. Photo by KAIST

Han Jae-heung, director of the KAIST Satellite Research Center, stated, “After entering the target orbit, the Next-Generation Small Satellite 2 has been continuously performing normal satellite control and mission execution, successfully completing SAR payload test observations, scientific payload test observations, and core technology verification payload functionality checks.” He added, “ChaSoHyeong 2’s satellite bus and most payloads were developed using domestic independent technology, and the released images are significant as they are the first Earth observation photos taken using domestically produced spaceborne SAR in Korea. We hope that the valuable technological assets and operational experience gained this time will be utilized for the future advancement of domestic SAR technology.”

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