Science TechnologyTuesday, 5 May 2026·The Hindu
South Korea launches CAS500-2, its first privately built Earth observation satellite, on SpaceX Falcon 9
South Korea launched the CAS500-2 Earth observation satellite on 3 May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 3 May 2026, South Korea launched CAS500-2, its first privately built Earth observation satellite, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Key specifics
- CAS500-2 was designed and manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) under the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).
- The satellite weighs 534 kilograms and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit at 498 kilometres altitude.
- It carries panchromatic imaging at 0.5-metre resolution and colour imaging at 2.0-metre resolution.
- The mission achieved its first ground communication link with Svalbard, Norway.
- Its uses include land management, disaster monitoring, urban planning and cartography.
Exam lens
Science and technology MCQ: KAI, KASA, 534 kg, 498 km orbit, 0.5-metre resolution—identify the launch vehicle, launch site and mission purpose.