KOMPSAT 3 (Arirang 3)

KOMPSAT 3 [KARI]

KOMPSAT 3 (Korean Multi-purpose Satellite 3) or Arirang 3 (아리랑 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. The imaging insrtrument has a resolution of 70 cm or less in visible band.

It will operate at an altitude of 535 km × 552 km, 97.6°, 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.

The improved KOMPSAT 3A with additional infra-red capability was be launched in 2015.