South Korean microsatellite returns first Earth images 14 hours after launch
In short
A microsatellite launched aboard South Korea's Nuri rocket returned its first Earth-observation images 14 hours and 29 minutes after launch, authorities said. All five satellites in the newly launched group were communicating normally, with power generation and attitude control functioning.
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South Korea's space agency and KAIST said a microsatellite launched aboard Nuri had captured and transmitted its first Earth-observation images 14 hours and 29 minutes after launch. The announcement was reported on October 15. Satellite No. 4 photographed Cleveland, Ohio, at 02:54 Korean time on October 8, according to Seoul Shinmun, Chosun Ilbo and Kukmin Ilbo. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 7 ]
Satellites numbered 2 through 6 entered orbit after Nuri's October 7 launch. Authorities said all five were communicating normally with the ground station and maintaining normal power generation and attitude control. The first images demonstrated that the spacecraft and optical payload functions were working after launch, the reports said. The images had approximately one-meter resolution, meaning a pixel represented an area about one meter on each side. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The agencies attributed the early imaging to experience from previously launched prototype and verification satellites, together with automation designed for operating multiple spacecraft. Initial checks and stabilization began automatically after separation from the rocket. Earlier orbital records and operating data were used to reduce trial and error, the reports said. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The first images do not mark the start of full operations. The agencies plan months of calibration to improve image quality and positional accuracy, alongside placing the five spacecraft at regular intervals. Asia Economy and Maeil Business described an approximately six-month initial period. Operations are scheduled to transfer to the national satellite operations center in Jeju next year, with imagery intended for national security and disaster response. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 ]
Reports also described images of Montgomery, Alabama, taken by satellite No. 6. Seoul Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo dated those images October 12 at 03:06 Korean time; ZDNet Korea instead gave October 8 at 03:06. The reports agreed that all five spacecraft's main systems were functioning normally. [ 2 , 3 , 5 ]
Why it matters
The images provide an early check of the satellites and their optical payloads. Months of image calibration and constellation formation remain before planned public-sector use for national security and disaster response.
Key facts
- Satellite No. 4 captured Cleveland on October 8 at 02:54 Korean time. [ 2 , 3 , 7 ]
- The five satellites, numbered 2 through 6, launched on October 7 aboard Nuri. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Authorities reported normal communications, power generation and attitude control for all five satellites. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Operations are planned to transfer to the national satellite operations center in Jeju next year. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Reports differ on the date of the Montgomery image. Seoul Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo date it October 12, while ZDNet Korea gives October 8.