Geo-KOMPSAT-2A: South Korea’s Advanced Environmental and Ocean Monitoring Satellite

Geo-KOMPSAT-2A (also known as Cheollian-2A) is a South Korean geostationary satellite designed for environmental and ocean monitoring. Developed and operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the satellite is part of South Korea’s dual-satellite GEO-KOMPSAT-2 program, alongside its twin, Geo-KOMPSAT-2A, which launched aboard an Ariane 5 rockt, operated by Arianespace, on December 4, 2018.

GEO-KOMPSAT 2B was successfully launched in early 2020, following a short delay due to the replacement of defective parts. The satellite is stationed at 128° East longitude, 35,786 kilometers above the equator, in a geostationary orbit.

Mission Overview

The GEO-KOMPSAT-2 program is designed to advance South Korea’s capabilities in space-based meteorology, space weather observation, ocean monitoring, and environmental surveillance.

• Geo-KOMPSAT-2A (GK-2A): Focused on meteorological and space weather monitoring.

• Geo-KOMPSAT-2B (GK-2B): Specializes in ocean color monitoring and air quality observation.

Satellite Specifications

• Mass: 3,200 kg (approx. 7,449 lbs)

• Lifespan: Minimum 10 years

• Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Daejeon, South Korea

• Orbit: Geostationary at 128°E

Instruments and Payloads

GEO-KOMPSAT 2B carries two primary instruments:

• GOCI-II (Geostationary Ocean Color Imager-II)

  • Built by Airbus Defence and Space

  • Monitors marine ecosystems, ocean health, and water quality in the Asia-Pacific region

• GEMS (Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer)

  • Developed by Ball Aerospace (Colorado, USA)

  • Measures air pollution, aerosol transport, and atmospheric composition over East Asia, particularly South Korea

Applications and Impact

The satellite supports a wide range of environmental and scientific missions, including:

• Monitoring marine environments around the Korean Peninsula

• Studying fisheries ecosystems

• Tracking aerosol movement and air quality

• Supporting regional climate change research and pollution control efforts

Strategic Importance

GEO-KOMPSAT 2B plays a crucial role in strengthening South Korea’s Earth observation infrastructure and contributes significantly to global efforts in climate monitoring, marine science, and air quality management.