South Korea's Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 Launched Aboard SpaceX Rocket

South Korea's Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2 was launched into space on December 3rd, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite, carried by SpaceX's launch vehicle 'Falcon 9', was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, at 11:59 PM on December 2nd, local time.

This Earth observation satellite, aimed at managing national land resources and responding to disasters, was independently produced for the first time by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

Approximately 60 minutes after launch, the satellite separated from the launch vehicle. About 15 minutes later, it successfully established initial communication with the Svalbard ground station in Norway, beginning preparations for its initial operation. The Next-Generation Medium Satellite 2, weighing 534 kg, will observe the Earth with 0.5m monochrome and 2m color resolution. It will undergo an initial operation period of 4 months in an orbit approximately 498 km above the Earth.