Home / Science / South Korea expands Earth observation with new hyperspectral satellite.
South Korea expands Earth observation with new hyperspectral satellite.
5 May
Summary
- Sejong-3, equipped with a hyperspectral sensor, was launched in March.
- The satellite enhances vegetation, mineral, soil, and environmental analysis.
- Hancom InSpace plans further expansion of its Sejong satellite series.
South Korea's Hancom InSpace is enhancing its Earth observation network by commissioning the Sejong-3 satellite. Launched in March on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission, Sejong-3 is a cubesat equipped with a crucial hyperspectral sensor. This addition complements the multispectral imaging capabilities already provided by Sejong-2 and Sejong-4 within the Sejong constellation.
The hyperspectral sensor on Sejong-3 enables a wider array of detailed Earth observation applications. These include enhanced vegetation monitoring, mineral prospecting, in-depth soil analysis, and comprehensive environmental assessments. Hancom InSpace, a spinoff from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, was acquired by Hancom Group to integrate space and airborne data for decision-support services.
Previous satellites in the Sejong series, Sejong-1 and Sejong-2, utilized multispectral instruments on Spire Global cubesats. Sejong-4, an electro-optical satellite, was launched in November via South Korea's Nuri rocket. Hancom InSpace is also developing Sejong-5, which may incorporate a chip-scale atomic clock. The company intends to continue expanding the Sejong series for more frequent and precise data acquisition.
