38338 - KOMPSAT 3

KOMPSAT 3 (Korean Multi-purpose Satellite 3) was launched from Tanegashima on 2012 May 17 at 16:39 UT by an H-2A rocket. The initial orbital parameters were period = 98.53 minutes, apogee = 695.2 km, perigee = 681.5 km, inclination = 98.1 degrees on 2012 Jun 24 at 19:52:17 UTC.

KOMPSAT 3, also known as ARIRANG 3, weighed 800 kg. The mission objectives for KOMPSAT 3 were to meet the needs for high-resolution EO (Electro-Optical) images required for GIS (Geographical Information Systems), and other environmental, agricultural and oceanographic monitoring applications. The high-resolution imaging satellite carries a camera that resolves objects as small as 70 centimeters, or 2.3 feet, on Earth's surface. The satellite operates at an altitude of 685 km in a sun-synchronous orbit and has an expected lifespan of 4 years.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2012-05-17
Launch Vehicle: H-2A
Launch Site: Tanegashima, Japan
Mass: 800.0 kg