NEXTSat-2

NEXTSat-2 is a microsatellite for an X-band radar technology demonstration.

This satellite was developed at the Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The satellite will be launched on the third flight of the South Korean Nuri KSLV-2 rocket.

SNIPE A to D

The SNIPE (Small scale magNetospheric and Ionospheric Plasma Experiment) mission of Korea consists of four 6-U Cubesats. The satellites will be launched into a polar circular orbit at an altitude of ~500 km.

Each satellite carries Langmuir Probes measuring ionospheric plasma density and temperature, flux gate magnetometers to reconstruct geomagnetic field vectors, and high-energy particle detectors diagnosing electron precipitation from the terrestrial radiation belt.

During the mission lifetime of 6 months, the SNIPE constellation will gradually change the inter-satellite distance and the flight formation, which is realized by cold gas thrusters onboard.

The main target of the SNIPE mission is to investigate small-scale (<200 km) structures of ionospheric plasma and high-energy particles as well as the concomitant perturbations of geomagnetic fields. The bus and payload data will be downloaded in the UHF and S-band frequencies. As a secondary and indirect data link to the ground, the SNIPE will also carry Iridium modules.

JLC-101-v1-2

Earth-Observation Technology Demonstration Cubesat

Lumir-T1

Cosmic Radiation Monitoring Cubesat

KSAT3U

Earth Observation and Weather Monitoring Cubesat

Nuri, which is also known as Korean Satellite Launch Vehicle II (KSLV-II), is designed to give South Korea its own domestic launch capability and to allow the nation to compete on the international market.

KARI designed the rocket with Hanwha Aerospace manufacturing the engines. Korea Aerospace Industries oversaw the final assembly of the booster. Hyundai Heavy Industries built the launch pad.

Development costs are estimated at 1.96 trillion won (US $1.7 billion), which includes spaceport construction.

The South Korean government has set SpaceX as a "role model", striving to develop relatively cheap and reliable rockets competitive enough for the commercial launch market. Currently, the goal is to launch a 1500 kg payload into a 600–800 km low Earth orbit (LEO) and 2600 kg into a 300 km LEO.

Nuri will be used in launching several Earth-observing satellites, such as KOMPSAT, medium-class satellites, and LEO reconnaissance satellites.

Nuri will be South Korea's first rocket to enter the commercial launch service market. The launch cost is estimated to be around US$30 million, which is cheaper than its Asian counterparts. This will allow South Korea to provide cheap launch services for Southeast Asia countries.

Photo: KSLV-II on the launch pad Credit: KAP

LC-2, also called LB-2 for the pad itself, is the second pad of the Naro Space Center. It is set to support the KSLV-II launch vehicle beginning in 2021.

Different from LC-1, which doesn't have an umbilical tower, LC-2 has a tower to support the larger KSLV-II vehicle.

Naro Space Center

Naro Space Center is a South Korean spaceport in South Jeolla's Goheung County, operated by the state-run Korea Aerospace Research Institute.

The spaceport is located about 485 km (300 mi) south of Seoul. It includes two launch pads, a control tower, rocket assembly, and test facilities, facilities for satellite control testing and assembly, a media center, an electric power station, a space experience hall, and a landing field.

Naro has supported 4 launches, and will continue to support the KSLV-II and SSLV launches in 2021 through 2025.

Image Credit: KARI