NEONSAT 1, ..., 11

NEONSAT 1 [KAIST]

NEONSAT (New-space Earth Observation Satellite) is a 10 satellite high-resolution optical earth observation constellation designed by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).

NEONSAT was developed through a project to develop a constellation system of 11 ultra-small satellites with an investment of approximately 220 billion Won over 8 years from 2020. After developing one prototype to be launched first, the same design will be applied to the remaining 10 to be mass-produced.

The satellites have a launch mass of less than 100 kg and orbits in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 400 to 500 km. It has a ground resolution of up to 1 m above ground in black and white, and images up to 4 m in color.

NEONSAT 1 is the prototype satellite, whch will be launched in 2024 on an Electron KS rocket.

If the prototype mission is successful, NEONSAT 2 to 6 will be launched through the 6th launch of Nuri in 2026, and NEONSAT 7 to 11 will head to space through the 7th launch of Nuri in 2027.

The NEONSAT 1A verifier satellite was added later as the second mission to validate the microsatellite constellation system's technology, identified through the first satellite, in orbit. The verification satellite will be placed in an afternoon orbit, which enhances observation efficiency by imaging the ground at a consistent time each afternoon. It will precisely verify on-orbit thrust performance, satellite altitude and spacing maintenance capabilities, and image quality.