KITSAT-3
First independently designed South Korean satellite, launched by ISRO.
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KITSAT-3 was a South Korean remote sensing minisatellite that carried the Multispectral Earth Imaging System (MEIS) and the Space ENvironment Scientific Experiment (SENSE) instruments to low Earth orbit. Manufactured by the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC), it was the first independently designed South Korean satellite, developed with experience from KITSAT-1 and KITSAT-2 but with no heritage to their bus. On orbit, the satellite was renamed Uribyol-3.
Lore & Background
KITSAT-3 was launched on 26 May 1999 aboard the PSLV-C2 mission, which was the first commercial flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) charged US$1.0 million for launching and injecting the satellite into low Earth orbit.
The satellite's attitude was first captured and it became 3-axis stabilized on 30 May 1999. Its first image was obtained on 31 May 1999, and its solar panels were deployed on 24 June 1999. Although designed for a life of 3 years, operations ended in December 2003, achieving 4.5 years of service.
Reader's Guide
KITSAT-3 holds significance as the first independently designed South Korean satellite, marking a milestone in the country's space capabilities. It was built by KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) drawing on experience from KITSAT-1 and KITSAT-2, though it did not inherit their bus design. The satellite carried two primary instruments: the Multispectral Earth Imaging System (MEIS) for remote sensing and the Space ENvironment Scientific Experiment (SENSE) for space environment studies.
Its launch on the PSLV-C2 mission was notable as the first commercial launch by ISRO of its launch vehicle, with a fee of US$1.0 million. The satellite exceeded its 3-year design life, operating until December 2003 for a total of 4.5 years. On orbit, it was renamed Uribyol-3.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: KITSAT-3 (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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