South Korea Successfully Launches its NEXTSat 2 Satellite

Credit: KARI

South Korea launched its main satellite, NEXTSat 2, on its Nuri (KSLV-2) rocket, as well as successfully sent six other microsatellites into orbit during this launch. 

NEXTSat 2, was designed and developed at SaTReC (Satellite Technology Research Center) of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). It hosts several scientific payloads, including a synthetic aperture radar with the capability of producing imagery with a 5-meter resolution. 

NEXTSat 2 will be in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing its solar panels to continuously generate power. This is necessary because its primary instrument, an X-band SAR antenna, requires Considerable amounts energy to function.  The microsatellite will observe cosmic rays originating from the sun, as well as locations outside of the solar system, such as supernova events. NEXTSat 2 will end its orbit after only two years, however, its core technologies will inform the future design of South Korean space vehicles. 

This is Nuri’s third launch to date. Its next flight will take place in 2025, with at least a once-a-year launch through 2027. 

VPT is proud to have parts on board both the Nuri rocket and NEXTSAT 2 satellite. We congratulate everyone involved with these historic programs that are paving the way for the future of South Korea’s space programs.