KOMPSAT-3

KOMPSAT-3, also called Arirang 3, is a lightweight Earth observation satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute for South Korea. Similar to KOMPSAT-2, it carries the Advanced Earth Imaging Sensor System, whose optical component was developed with Astrium and which images in visible light at 70 centimeters resolution or better. The mission goals are to provide continuous Earth observation after KOMPSAT-1 and KOMPSAT-2 and to meet national needs for high-resolution electro-optical images used in geographic information systems and environmental, agricultural and oceanographic monitoring. It was launched on 17 May 2012 from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan on an H-2A-202 rocket together with GCOM-W, SDS 4 and Horyu 2. The 800 kilogram satellite was designed for a four-year life in a sun-synchronous orbit of 535 by 552 kilometers inclined 97.6 degrees. Its follow-on, KOMPSAT-3A, adds an infrared capability.