The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has chosen Arianespace to launch the two satellites in its GEO-KOMPSAT-2 program. Mr. Jacques Breton, Senior Vice President, Sales & Customers of Arianespace and Mr. CHO Gwangrae, President of KARI, have signed today the launch contract for GEOKOMPSAT-2A & -2B.
GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (GK2A) and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) will be orbited by Ariane 5 launchers in May 2018 and March 2019 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
For nearly 25 years now, Arianespace and KOREA’s satellite technology research centers have developed a sound relationship, with the launch of both scientific microsatellites and the COMS multi-mission satellite. GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (GK2A) and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) will be the seventh and eighth satellites launched by Arianespace for South Korea.
Each of the GEO-KOMPSAT-2 satellites will weigh about 3,500 kg. at launch, and will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 128.2 East.
The satellites will be built by KARI at its facility in Daejeon, South Korea. The two governmental GEO-KOMPSAT-2 satellites will primarily perform meteorological observation and space weather monitoring (GK2A), and ocean and Earth environmental monitoring (GK2B).
Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stphane Isral welcomed the contract signing, saying: “Arianespace is extremely proud of its selection by the Korean space agency, KARI. Our last launch for KARI occurred in 2010. Now, we have been chosen again by KARI to launch these two impressive meteorological observation missions. Contributing to Korean space achievements is a great honor for Arianespace. I would once again like to thank the Korea Aerospace Research Institute for selecting us. Arianespace will deliver.”
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