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South Korea and Satellite Communication Systems

South Korea's first two spacecraft were based on the UK's Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) microsatellite design. Kitsat 1 (aka Uribyol 1, 10 August 1992) and Kitsat 2 (aka Uribyol 2, 26 September 1993) were carried as piggyback passengers on Ariane flights to LEO. Although neither of the spacecraft were true communications satellites, both were equipped with a modest store-and-forward messaging capability (References 374-377).

The long-range goal of South Korea is to develop its own spacecraft. A step in this direction was taken with Kitsat 2, which was assembled in South Korea from UK components. The next step is the much delayed, dual-purpose Komsat. Relying heavily on a TRW spacecraft bus and engineering expertise, South Korea will assist in the design and manufacture of Komsat which will perform remote sensing as well as serve as a communications relay. The 400-kg spacecraft will be inserted into a 685-km, sun-synchronous orbit in 1998 or 1999 (References 378-382). South Korea has discussed a similar venture with the PRC (References 383-385).

Unable to construct its own GEO communications spacecraft, South Korea contracted with Lockheed-Martin for two 3000 series satellites to be launched in 1995. The Koreasat (aka Mugunghwa) spacecraft will have a mass of about 830 kg on station and will carry 15 Kuband transponders of which three will be highpower (120 W). Both spacecraft will be positioned at 116 degrees E with expected design lives of 10 years (References 386-387).

374. Yonhap News Agency, 10 August 1992 and 3 October 1992.

375. R. Riccitiello, "Kitsat-A Launch Is First Step for Korean Space Program", Space News, 24-30 August 1992, p.10.

376. "South Korea Set for Launch No. 2", Spaceflight, July 1993, p. 246.

377. Yonhap News Agency, 27 September 1993.

378. A. Lawler, "South Korea Plans To Build, Launch Satellites", Space News, 28 May - 3 June 1990, pp. 1, 20.

379. Y. Lee, "South Korea, Taiwan Gear Up To Enter Satellite Era", Space News, 24-30 September 1990, p. 7.

380. W. Boyer, "TRW Wins Bid To Develop Korea Multipurpose Satellite", Space News, 19-25 September 1994 p. 8.

381. "TRW Close To Korean Satellite Pact", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 19 September 1994, p.19.

382. Via Satellite, June 1995, p.12.

383. "South Korea and China May Team Up To Develop Regional Comsat", Space FAX Daily, 22 October 1993, p. 1.

384. "Seoul, Beijing Cement Joint Satellite Deal", Space FAX Daily, 8 November 1993, p. 1.

385. T. Kiernan, "South Korea, China To Create Joint Satellite Project", Space News, 31 January - 6 February 1994, p.16.

386. T. Kiernan, "South Korea Seeks Economic Stimulus From Satellites", Space News, 14-20 September 1992, p.28.

387. "Newsmaker Forumn, Space News, 12-18 April 1993, p. 22.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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