The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is prime contractor for both the Geo-Kompsat-2A and 2B satellites, a demonstration of Korea’s gradual climb toward autonomy in space infrastructure.
Airbus Defence and Space of Europe and Ball Aerospace and Northrop Grumman of the United States are providing components for the two satellites under previously announced contracts.
Geo-Kompsat-2A, equipped with a meteorological imager, is expected to weigh about 3,420 kilograms at launch, according to KARI. The 2B satellite, carrying an ocean-color imager, will weigh around 3,200 kilograms.
The two satellites are designed to operate for at least 10 years from 128.2 degrees east in geostationary orbit, where they will replace the Communications, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite, which was launched in 2010 and was built by Airbus.
The Korean ministry said the Geo-Kompsat-2 program was budgeted at 720 billion Korean won, or about $655 million at current exchange rates, including the construction of both satellites and their launches.
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