PARIS -- Arianespace has been selected by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to launch KOMPSAT-7. Using a Vega C launcher, the mission will be conducted from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, from December 2021.
According to Arianespace, KOMPSAT-7 will be the fourth satellite for KARI - and the ninth South Korean satellite in general - launched by the European space company.
Developed by KARI at its facility in Daejeon, South Korea, KOMPSAT-7 will weigh approximately 2,000 kg. at launch, and will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit. KOMPSAT-7 will replace KOMPSAT-3A in orbit, which launched into orbit in 2015 and will reach the end of its life around the time of KOMPSAT-7's launch. KOMPSAT-3A gathered infrared and optical imagery for GIS (Geographical Information Systems) applications in environmental, agricultural and oceanographic sciences as well as natural disasters.
The Vega is in a healthy position in the lightweight launch vehicle market. It will benefit from a strong domestic market due to its association with the European Space Agency. ESA is dedicated to using European-built equipment and continues to launch lightweight scientific satellites, which should ensure steady demand for the Vega . In fact, in April 2017, the European Commission committed to buying two Vega -Cs per year once the launch vehicle becomes operational in 2019.
In addition, engineers are gradually increasing the Vega's capabilities. The P120 rocket motor that will equip the Vega -C will boost power over the current version, enabling the vehicle to carry heavier payloads or more payloads than competitors like Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne. Engineers are also developing a SmallSat deployer that will enable Vega to carry multiple payloads on a single launch, further increasing its appeal to SmallSat operators like Spire.
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