한국항공우주연구원

Expanded Satellite Test and Integration Center for
Stationary and Large Satellites Construction Complete

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute announced that the construction of the expanded Satellite Test and Integration Center, for the purpose of assembly and testing of geostationary satellites, large satellites and the domestic development of optical payloads, has been completed. A ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 15, 2008.

The construction of this center began in July, 2006, with a total budget of 14.1 billion KRW. The center (total area approx. 9,000㎡) consists of an Assembly Hall for large satellites (maximum weight of 5 ton) including the Communication, Ocean, Meteorological Satellite (COMS), which is set for launch in 2009 and a Vibration facility for the assembly and testing of precision optical payloads. In addition, a special Optical Thermal Vacuum Chamber for the development of optical cameras will be finished by the end of the year.

With the completion of this center, Korea now owns a world-class infrastructure for satellite assembly and testing as well as launch vehicle assembly.

At this center, the assembly and testing of next generation satellites, which will be developed in accordance with the Space Development Promotion Act, as well as COMS, KOPMSAT-3 and KOPMSAT-5 currently under construction, will be carried out.

It should be noted that this infrastructure has been developed using domestic technology, which means Korea has now attained international competitiveness to export Korean-made satellites as well as test facilities, large test equipment under plant contracts to countries undertaking satellite development.