"This Is How Jamsil Looks"... First Release of 0.3m Satellite and Aurora Images

Ultra-High Resolution Observation and Space Environment Experiments at Once

Full-Scale Transition to Private-Led Satellite Development

The area around Seoul's Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium and Lotte World Tower has been captured with such clarity that individual vehicles and roads are clearly identifiable. At the same time, phenomena such as auroras and changes in the ionosphere have been observed from space. With the first images released from the Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7 and the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3, experts say that Korean satellites have now entered a phase where they can conduct both Earth observation and space environment research simultaneously.

On March 17, the Korea AeroSpace Administration announced the initial operational results and test footage from the two satellites, stating that they are currently carrying out final inspections before transitioning to full-scale operations. The Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 was placed into orbit on November 27 last year through the fourth launch of Nuri, while the Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7 was launched on December 2 (Korean time) from the Guiana Space Center of the European Space Agency (ESA) using the VEGA-C launch vehicle.

The images released this time are the first results secured after the two satellites were stabilized in orbit and underwent initial operations. The Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7, equipped with a 0.3-meter class ultra-high-resolution optical camera, has acquired images that can precisely identify urban structures, road networks, and building boundaries. In the actual images of the Jamsil area, the resolution is high enough to distinctly separate the stadium’s exterior structure and the surrounding road flow.

Comparison of Jamsil Olympic Stadium, Multipurpose 3A Room (left) and Multipurpose 7 Room test shooting video (right). Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

The Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 performs a complex mission, conducting both Earth observation and space environment measurement. In particular, the wide-field camera "ROKITS," developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), captures a 700 km-wide area at a 90-degree field of view in a single shot and is specialized in observing large-scale natural phenomena such as auroras and airglow. In the footage acquired during initial operations, polar auroras expanding in a ring shape over the polar regions were observed, and auroras extending to mid-latitudes during geomagnetic storms were also captured.

Additionally, a plasma measurement payload developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a bio-experiment device from Hallym University were among the various payloads carried onboard, allowing simultaneous experiments in the fields of physical and life sciences. This integration of diverse experimental equipment into a single satellite is being evaluated as having laid the foundation for securing space environment data and conducting basic scientific research in the future.

"Beyond Precise Observation, Toward Multipurpose Satellites"

The Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7 is the latest model in the "Arirang Satellite" series, which began with its first launch in 1999, and is regarded as a culmination of domestic satellite technology. Starting from an initial 6.6-meter class resolution, the seventh satellite has achieved an ultra-high resolution of 0.3 meters, reaching a level competitive with the world’s best commercial satellites. The images obtained are expected to be used in a wide range of fields, including land management, disaster response, and urban change analysis.

Unlike previous satellites focused on precise observation, the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 is designed based on a standard platform to perform a variety of missions. In particular, the proportion of domestically produced satellite bodies and major components has been increased, and price competitiveness has been secured with an eye toward future exports. The localization of key components such as propulsion system tanks, valves, and power control systems was also achieved during this development process.

The Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7 is equipped with ultra-high-resolution observation capabilities of less than 0.3 meters, enabling it to identify types of cars on the ground. Provided by Korea Aerospace Research Institute

A Signal for Transition to Private-Led Satellite Development

These two satellites demonstrate not only technological achievements but also changes in development methods. The Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 was led by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), marking a case where a private company took the initiative in designing and manufacturing a satellite system. It is seen as a symbolic example of the shift in satellite development from government-funded research institutes to an industry-centered approach.

Furthermore, with the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 being launched by Nuri, it is analyzed that Korea has moved a step closer to establishing a "full-cycle space industry system" spanning launch vehicles, satellites, and applications.

After completing the initial operations and performance verification of the two satellites, the government plans to begin full-scale image services for Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7 in the second half of this year and to commence normal operations of the Next-Generation Medium Satellite 3 from April.

No Kyungwon, Deputy Administrator of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, stated, "This achievement goes beyond the advancement of satellite technology itself; it is a case showing that the development structure is shifting to a private-led model," and added, "We will further expand the enterprise-centered space industry ecosystem in the future."

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