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| / Courtesy of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning |
By Park Si-soo
South Korea plans to launch a self-developed multifunctional satellite in 2021.
An estimated 310 billion won ($217.8 million) will be spent on the project. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) will develop the rocket and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will develop the satellite, according to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning on Monday. The institutes signed a contract on April 27.
The satellite will have a super performance optical camera that can see up to 0.3 meters of an object on the ground, an infrared sensor and latest motion balance system. The technology will make it possible for the satellite to carry out a task under any circumstances.
"Our satellite technology has advanced to the level where we can stand shoulder to shoulder with major satellite-developing countries," said KAI CEO Ha Sung-yong. "We are developing a next-generation mid- and large-size satellite, which will help bolster South Korea's position in the aerospace industry."
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