Arirang-2
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Arirang-2 is a South Korean multipurpose satellite. It was launched from Plesetsk, Russia at 4:05 PM KST on July 28, 2006. It began to transmit signals at 11 PM the same day. Like the earlier Arirang-1 satellite, it takes its name from the arirang song style associated with the Korean nation. Its launch was the culmination of a project begun in 1999.
Arirang-2 orbits at a height of 685 kilometers, circling the Earth 14 times per day, and is expected to maintain that orbit for 3 years. It weighs 765 kilograms. [1]
The satellite carries a high-powered digital camera which can distinguish to a 1-meter resolution, allowing the identification of individual vehicles on the ground.[2] Among other purposes, this will allow the South Korean intelligence service to observe North Korean military activities. Prior to the launch of this satellite, the South Koreans had been largely dependent upon surveillance information provided by America.
However, the Arirang-2 bears a suspicious resemblance to the Lockheed Martin/Space Imaging Ikonos satellite. This is currently under investigation by the autorities for the possibility of stolen designs and/or technology.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Multipurpose satellite Arirang 2 set for launch. Korea Herald July 28 2006. Retrieved on July 29, 2006.
- ^ Arirang-2 to Monitor North Korea. Korea Times July 23 2006. Retrieved on July 29, 2006.
[edit] See also
- Korean Aerospace Research Institute
- List of Korea-related topics
