South Korea and Satellite Communication Systems
South Korea's first two spacecraft were based on the UK's Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) microsatellite design. Kitsat 1 (aka Uribyol 1, 10 August 1992) and Kitsat 2 (aka Uribyol 2, 26 September 1993) were carried as piggyback passengers on Ariane flights to LEO. Although neither of the spacecraft were true communications satellites, both were equipped with a modest store-and-forward messaging capability (References 374-377).
The long-range goal of South Korea is to develop its own spacecraft. A step in this direction was taken with Kitsat 2, which was assembled in South Korea from UK components. The next step is the much delayed, dual-purpose Komsat. Relying heavily on a TRW spacecraft bus and engineering expertise, South Korea will assist in the design and manufacture of Komsat which will perform remote sensing as well as serve as a communications relay. The 400-kg spacecraft will be inserted into a 685-km, sun-synchronous orbit in 1998 or 1999 (References 378-382). South Korea has discussed a similar venture with the PRC (References 383-385).
Unable to construct its own GEO communications spacecraft, South Korea contracted with Lockheed-Martin for two 3000 series satellites to be launched in 1995. The Koreasat (aka Mugunghwa) spacecraft will have a mass of about 830 kg on station and will carry 15 Kuband transponders of which three will be highpower (120 W). Both spacecraft will be positioned at 116 degrees E with expected design lives of 10 years (References 386-387).
Korea will launch its first military satellite, dubbed "Koreasat-5," in March 2006. "The satellite was originally scheduled to be launched in 2005, but delays in preparations pushed the date back. Koreasat-5 will be the fourth satellite launched by Korea, replacing Koreasat-2, whose lifespan is due to expire by 2005. Though it is to be a dual-purpose satellite, with both military and commercial uses, Koreasat-5 would be the first Korean satellite with a military mission. The new satellite was named Koreasat-5 because the Sino-Korean word for the number four, "sa" is a homonym of the Chinese character for death
