KOMPSAT-2 Satellite Returns First Images

Korea’s KOMPSAT-2 Earth observation satellite, launched 28th July, has returned its first images from orbit 685 kilometres above the planet. Spot Image is the exclusive distributor of KOMPSAT-2 data for the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) outside Korea, the United States and the Middle East.

KARI developed the KOMPSAT-2 programme in close collaboration with EADS Astrium, in particular to acquire Very-High-Resolution (VHR) imagery for South Korea’s needs in mapping, urban planning and hazard management. KOMPSAT-2 is a VHR optical imaging satellite (1m resolution in black and white, 4m in colour) capable of acquiring up to 7,500 images with a ground footprint of 15km x 15km every day—equivalent to 1.7 million km² a day. These features and imaging capacity, ideal for detecting and identifying ground features, make KOMPSAT-2 a key asset for mapping at scales of 1:5 000 to 1:2 000.

As prime contractor in charge of Korea’s satellite programmes, KARI is now pursuing its programme with the development of KOMPSAT-3 and KOMPSAT-5, as well as COMS-1, a communications, meteorology and oceanography satellite. KARI has plans for 10 more satellites in the pipeline for the coming decade.