South Korean microsatellites capture first images shortly after Nuri launch

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that five microsatellites from the New-space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Safety (NEONSAT) successfully captured and transmitted their first images within 14 hours and 29 minutes of launch.

Launched on October 7 aboard the domestic Nuri rocket, the microsatellites (Nos. 2 through 6) have confirmed normal operation of their optical payloads, power generation, and attitude control systems. The initial imagery includes 1m-resolution captures of locations in the United States, such as Cleveland, Ohio, and Montgomery, Alabama.

The rapid acquisition of data was attributed to automated deployment concepts and operational expertise gained from previous prototype missions. Over the coming months, the agencies will perform image calibration and gradually position the satellites into a constellation. Control of the operations is scheduled to transfer to the National Satellite Operation Center on Jeju Island next year, with the imagery intended for national security and disaster response applications.