Korea successfully launches weather satellite
This captured image shows the Arianespace's Ariane-5 projectile carrying geostationary weather satellite Chollian-2A, lifting off from a space center in French Guiana at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday (local time). / Courtesy of Arianespace
By Jun Ji-hye
A Korean-made geostationary weather satellite was successfully launched from a space center in French Guiana at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday (local time), the Ministry of Science and ICT said Wednesday.
The Chollian-2A, designed to enhance the nation's weather monitoring system, was on board the Arianespace's Ariane-5 projectile. The satellite was separated from the projectile at an altitude of 2,340 kilometers, 34 minutes after liftoff and successfully made initial contact with a ground station 39 minutes after.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute confirmed the conditions of the satellite were normal, the ministry said, noting it will be arriving at its target geostationary orbit of 36,000 kilometers in about two weeks.
The Chollian-2A will begin its missions in earnest in July next year after test operations.
The satellite will transmit high-definition images to the National Satellite Meteorological Center and other ground centers every 10 minutes at normal times and every two minutes in dangerous weather conditions.
“Through the use of the satellite, the government will be able to offer the people more accurate weather information and other core information such as yellow dust and ozone levels,” said Choi Won-ho, an official from the ministry.