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 Kompsat. Relying heavily on a TRW spacecraft bus and engineering expertise, South Korea will assist in the design and manufacture of Kompsat 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).
KOREASAT / Mugunghwa
The Korea Telecom lead and commercial telecommunications and broadcasting satellite program. Lockheed Martin manufactured KOREASAT 1, 2, and 3 with South Korean subcontractors. 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 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 were to be positioned at 116 degrees E with expected design lives of 10 years. KOREASAT is the first geostationary communication and broadcasting satellite of the country. The primary purpose of the communication satellite project is to prepare proactively for the upcoming age of competition in space development in the twenty-first century, with a view to delivering advanced telecommunication services, including wide-band, high-speed voice and images to the general public, to lay the groundwork for the nation to enter the world space market, to push the nation into the rank of technologically advanced nations and to utilize the satellite orbit effectively.
KOREASAT-1 – was launched in August 1995 but experienced a partial failure.
KOREASAT–2 – was launched in January 1996. The payload consists of 12 Fixed Satellite Service transponders that are used for general communications and 3 Direct Broadcasting Services transponders. The program involved upgrading existing systems and capabilities.
KOREASAT–3 – was launched in September 1999 and is configured to provide both fixed and direct broadcast services. It is fitted with a steerable antenna to improve coverage capability. In addition to providing the satellite, the program also involved upgrading existing ground systems. KOREASAT-3 was launched into a geosynchronous orbit on 5 September 1999. Its major goal is to enhance the level of localization significantly, based on the technologies accumulated through the development of KOREASAT-1 and -2. The improvement of various service qualities was also expected from the KOREASAT-3 payload capabilities.
KOREASAT–4 - Korea Telecom launched the communications based payload in 2005.
KOREASAT–5 - Sea Launch successfully completed the Koreasat 5 mission on August 21, 2006. A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off from the Odyssey Launch Platform at 8:27 pm PDT (3:27 GMT on Aug. 22). All phases of the flight profile performed as expected. The mission ended with spacecraft separation from the Block DM upper stage, placing the Koreasat 5 communications satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. A ground station in Fucino, Italy, acquired the spacecraft signal shortly after spacecraft separation. Built by Alcatel Alenia Space in Cannes, France, this new generation Spacebus 4000 C1 platform is fitted with the Avionique 4000 avionics system and accommodates 36 transponders in multi-band frequencies to meet its multi-mission objectives. A hybrid spacecraft designed for a 15-year service life, Koreasat 5 is owned jointly by the Agency for Defense Development of Korea and KT Corporation. It is located in geostationary orbit at 113 degrees East Longitude as part of South Korea’s new high-capacity Spacecom System. The Agency for Defense Development has managed the military side of the Koreasat 5 program and the Joint Chief of Staff of Korean Armed Forces operate the SHF and Ka band transponders on the spacecraft to provide satellite communications services. KT Corporation operate 24 Ku band transponders. Half of these were switched to regional beams to provide advanced broadband multimedia and digital television transmission services, as well as conventional telecom services to operators in the Asia-Pacific region. The remaining 12 Ku band transponders replace Koreasat 2 capacity for domestic use in South Korea. Based in Seoul, KT Corporation (KT) was established in 1981 by the Korean Government and later privatized as a public corporation in 2002.
KOREASAT–6 - On May 14, 2008 Thales Alenia Space announced that it has signed a contract with Korea Telecom (KT) to provide their next telecommunication satellite, Koreasat 6. For this contract, Thales Alenia Space teamed with U.S manufacturer, Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) who will provide satellite platform. As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space will have overall responsibility for design, manufacturing and test of the Koreasat 6 satellite and Ground Segment, as well as Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP), In-Orbit Test (IOT) support and associated services. Thales Alenia Space will procure Orbital's small sized GEO platform, STAR-2, and will manufacture the communications payload. Designed for 15 years lifetime, Koreasat 6 satellite will have 30 active Ku-band transponders with 2750 kg launch mass, and 3.4 kW payload power. The satellite, scheduled to be launch late 2010, will be positioned at 116 degrees East and will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services over Korea.
References
- 374. Yonhap News Agency, 10 August 1992 and 3 October 1992.
- 375. R. Riccitiello, "Kitsat-A Launch Is First Step for Korean Space Program", Space News, 24-30 August 1992, p.10.
- 376. "South Korea Set for Launch No. 2", Spaceflight, July 1993, p. 246.
- 377. Yonhap News Agency, 27 September 1993.
- 378. A. Lawler, "South Korea Plans To Build, Launch Satellites", Space News, 28 May - 3 June 1990, pp. 1, 20.
- 379. Y. Lee, "South Korea, Taiwan Gear Up To Enter Satellite Era", Space News, 24-30 September 1990, p. 7.
- 380. W. Boyer, "TRW Wins Bid To Develop Korea Multipurpose Satellite", Space News, 19-25 September 1994 p. 8.
- 381. "TRW Close To Korean Satellite Pact", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 19 September 1994, p.19.
- 382. Via Satellite, June 1995, p.12.
- 383. "South Korea and China May Team Up To Develop Regional Comsat", Space FAX Daily, 22 October 1993, p. 1.
- 384. "Seoul, Beijing Cement Joint Satellite Deal", Space FAX Daily, 8 November 1993, p. 1.
- 385. T. Kiernan, "South Korea, China To Create Joint Satellite Project", Space News, 31 January - 6 February 1994, p.16.
- 386. T. Kiernan, "South Korea Seeks Economic Stimulus From Satellites", Space News, 14-20 September 1992, p.28.
- 387. "Newsmaker Forumn, Space News, 12-18 April 1993, p. 22.
- Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]
