The History of the Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite Program

摘要

The space development plan in Korea was largely influenced by a satellite development program, and KOMPSAT Program plays a key role in it. This paper will review the history of the KOMPSAT Program and intends to present the birth, the development, operations after launch, and the technical obstacles faced during the KOMPSAT Program. The KOMPSAT Program is planned to continue developing the series at least up to KOMPSAT-7, while KOMPSAT-5 and KOMPSAT-3 preparing for launch in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Korea has shown rapid technological progress in the field of satellite development despite a relatively short history. This paper reviews the background and efforts that made this possible. This paper will also mention briefly the future KOMPSAT development program. Up to now, Korea has focused on the acquisition of satellite technology trough KOMPSAT Programs, but it will widen its contribution to international cooperation in the future using the technologies attained by Korea.