KOMPSAT-7, developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), carries an ultra-high-resolution optical imaging payload called AEISS-HR (Advanced Earth Imaging Sensor System – High Resolution). This instrument is designed for sub-meter performance, with a panchromatic resolution of around 30 cm, a multispectral (color) mode at 1.2 m, and infrared coverage at 4 m.

In addition to the optical imager, KOMPSAT-7 is equipped with a high-speed X-band downlink system, provided by Thales Alenia Space, which enables the rapid transmission of the large volumes of data generated by the high-resolution sensor.

Moreover, the satellite features an advanced infrared module (IRM) based on a high-performance MCT (mercury–cadmium–telluride) detector operating in the 3–5 μm wavelength range. This IR sensor supports push-broom imaging with time-delay integration (TDI) to maximize signal-to-noise ratio, allowing detection of thermal signatures such as fires, volcanic activity, or urban heat islands, even at night.

To support agile operations and precise pointing, KOMPSAT-7 uses a control moment gyroscope (CMG) for rapid reorientation, enabling the satellite to quickly target areas of interest. Its on-board computer is significantly more powerful than previous generation KOMPSATs (e.g. KOMPSAT-3 / 3A), enabling real-time image processing, compression, and encryption.

In terms of data handling, KOMPSAT-7 carries more than 1 terabit of onboard storage, facilitating the collection of large data volumes before they’re relayed to ground stations.

Courtesy of ESA and Thales Alenia Space.

ESA’s Vega-C is a next-generation launch vehicle that succeeds the original Vega rocket, offering enhanced performance, greater payload volume, and increased competitiveness. Operating from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, Vega-C strengthens Europe’s independent access to space and supports a wider range of missions, including return-to-Earth operations with ESA's upcoming reusable Space Rider vehicle.

Specs

Height: 34.8 m (114 ft)

Diameter: 3.4 m (11 ft)

Mass: 210,000 kg (460,000 lb)

Stages: 4

Payload to sun-synchronous orbit: 2,300 kg (5,100 lb)

Payload to polar orbit: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)

Vega-C is designed to accommodate a variety of missions, from launching small CubeSats to carrying a single large satellite. It features significant upgrades over its predecessor, including new solid propulsion stages, an enhanced upper stage with reignition capability, a larger fairing for increased volume, and upgraded ground infrastructure.

Its upper stage, AVUM+ (Attitude Vernier Upper Module), enables precise orbital insertions and multiple burns, making it ideal for delivering multiple payloads to different orbits in a single mission. Once all payloads are deployed, AVUM+ performs a final deorbit burn to minimize space debris.

Vega-C’s development and operations are supported by multiple ESA member states, reflecting broad European cooperation. Participating countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Courtesy of ESA

The Ensemble de Lancement Vega (ELV) pad at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (Guiana Space Centre) was previously used to launch the Europa, Ariane 1, Ariane 2, and Ariane 3 rockets under a different name.

It hosted its first launch on November 5, 1971, when a Europa rocket carried the STV-4 payload. The pad was last used in 1989 for the final Ariane 3 launch before going unused until 2012, when Vega began operations.

Located in French Guiana, the ELV pad is part of the French and European spaceport near Kourou, on the northern coast of South America.

Guiana Space Centre

The Guiana Space Centre has been operational since 1968, serving the European Space Agency (ESA), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), and commercial companies such as Arianespace and Azercosmos.

A total of nine different rocket types have launched from the spaceport, including three active rockets and six retired vehicles.

The current launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Centre include:

Ariane 5 – for heavy payloads.

Soyuz 2 (provided by Russia) – for medium-mass satellites.

Vega – for smaller spacecraft.

The spaceport is also preparing for the upcoming Ariane 6, Vega C, and Vega E rockets, which are currently under development.

Photo courtesy of Arianespace