S. Korea to develop new indigenous multipurpose satellite

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will develop a new multipurpose satellite entirely with indigenous technology and put it into orbit in 2021 in line with efforts to emerge as a global power in the space sector, science ministry said Tuesday.

The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning said it will hold the first meeting on Wednesday to discuss the details of the satellite, also known as the Arirang 7.

The ministry said it will inject a total of 310 billion won (US$280 million) into the new satellite which will offer clear images with a resolution of 0.3 meter or less.

The satellite will carry out its objectives and missions such as monitoring disasters and the environment, and helping establish a geographic information database, officials said.

Earlier, the ministry announced it is set to launch the latest multipurpose satellite, the Arirang 6, using a Russian launch vehicle in 2020.

khj@yna.co.kr
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