KOMPSat 3, 3A (Arirang 3, 3A)

KOMPSat 3 [KARI]

KOMPSat 3 (Korean Multi-purpose Satellite 3)  is a lightweight Earth observation satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI. It will be similar to the KOMPSat 2 spacecraft and is scheduled to be launched in 2010. The optical component is being developed by Astrium.

It will operate at an altitude of 685 km in a sun-synchronous orbit for 4 years and monitor the Korean peninsula using a payload capable of submeter class resolution. The mission objectives of the KOMPSAT-3 are to provide continuous satellite Earth observation after KOMPSat 1 and KOMPSat 2 and to meet the nation's needs for high-resolution EO (Electro-Optical) images required for GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and other environmental, agricultural and oceanographic monitoring applications.

KOMPSat 3A with additional infra-red capability will be launched in 2013.