Key facts
- Five South Korean microsatellites captured first images within a day of launch.
- The NEONSAT constellation transmitted images 14 hours and 29 minutes after liftoff on Oct. 7.
- The satellites are maintaining stable communications with ground stations.
- Imagery will be used for national security and disaster response.
- The NEONSAT constellation will eventually comprise 10 satellites.
A constellation of five South Korean microsatellites successfully captured and transmitted its first images to a ground station within a day of their launch aboard the Nuri space rocket on Oct. 7. The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) announced Thursday that the NEONSAT microsatellites transmitted their initial images just 14 hours and 29 minutes after liftoff from the Naro Space Center.
The early acquisition of imagery confirmed the normal operation of the satellites and their optical payloads, marking a milestone in South Korea's efforts to establish its first domestically developed microsatellite constellation. KASA stated that the satellites are maintaining stable communications with ground stations, with their power generation and attitude control systems operating normally.
Following additional payload checks, KASA and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will begin initial operations. The satellites will be gradually positioned to form a constellation, with control to be transferred to the National Satellite Operation Center on Jeju Island next year. The imagery is intended for national security and disaster response, and the NEONSAT constellation is planned to eventually comprise 10 satellites, with five more scheduled for launch next year.