Seoul [South Korea], April 24: A Korean nanosatellite was launched into earth orbit, within the framework of a national project to create a 'satellite constellation' by 2027, according to Yonhap on April 24.
According to the Korean Ministry of Science and Information Technology, the Earth observation satellite was launched with the Electron rocket from Rocket Lab's spaceport in Mahia (New Zealand) at about 10:08 am on April 24 (local time). Phuong), which is about 1:38 a.m. on the same day Vietnam time.
The satellite named NEONSAT-1 was launched into space at an altitude of 520 km, about 50 minutes after launch. NEONSAT stands for "New Space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Safety".
Developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) for mass production, NEONSAT-1 weighs less than 100 kg and has a resolution of 1 m.
The satellite is the first of 11 nanosatellites that form a satellite constellation to monitor and image the Korean peninsula and surrounding areas.
South Korea plans to launch 5 more nano-satellites into space in June 2026 and 5 more satellites in September 2027.
According to the Korean Ministry of Science and Information Technology, the launch was originally scheduled to take place at 7:08 am on April 24 but was delayed due to the risk of collision with another space vehicle.
The rocket launch project was named BTS by supplier Rocket Lab, which stands for "The Beginning of the Swarm".
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has not yet responded to the above information.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper