Korean Satellite Calls Home

Source: Chosun Ilbo

South Korea’s aerospace industry achieved a significant milestone with the January 30 launch of its Korean Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV),  dubbed NARO-3.  In order to consider the mission a complete success however,  the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology still needed to verify that the 220 lb STSAT-2c satellite had weathered its ride into space well and was functionally normally.

On a pass over South Korea the following day, ground control was able to establish successful communications during a brief window from 3:28 to 3:42 a.m.  KST, and determine that its first ever domestically built and launched bird was indeed functioning as planned, bringing the launch campaign to a final, gratifying close.

Though reported in the general press alternately as an Earth observing or scientific satellite, according to a listing of six payloads on  Gunters Space Page, the primary function is as a test bed for future space technologies, allowing South Korea to expand its international and commercial space credentials.