As Korea's first satellite with high-performance optical payload and IR sensors, Arirang 3A is equipped with AEISS-A (Advanced Earth Imaging Sensor System-A), a high-resolution electro-optical camera with 55cm resolution, and IR sensors; thus enabling high-resolution optical and IR observations.
Arirang 3A operates in the solar synchronous orbit, and it is used to secure public safety as well as for disaster and environmental monitoring and resource management through high-resolution precision optical observation with resolution of 55 cm and IR observation regardless of weather conditions, be it day or night.
| Satellite Body | Manufacturing Country | Electro-optical Camera Performance | Year Launched |
|---|---|---|---|
| EROS-B | IAI (Israel) | (B&W)0.87 m, (Color)3.5 m | 2003 |
| GeoEye I | Orbital (USA) | (B&W)0.41 m, (Color)1.65 m | 2008 |
| World ViewII | Ball Aerospace (USA) | (B&W)0.46 m, (Color)1.84 m | 2009 |
| Pleiades | EADS Astrium (Europe) | (B&W)0.5 m, (Color)2.0 m | 2011 |
| IGS 8A, 8B | JAXA (Japan) | (B&W)0.4 m, (Radar)1 m | 2013 |
KARI has secured IR observation satellites developed only in some advanced countries such as the United States, France, and Germany, with the infrared sensor image boasting of the world's top-level quality compared to images generated by overseas commercial infrared sensor-equipped satellites. IR imaging has contributed to the creation of high added values in domestic and overseas remote exploration and overseas satellite imaging markets by enabling the complementary operation of high-resolution optical imaging and radar imaging.
Arirang 3A was developed domestically to develop high-performance optical and IR imaging satellites independently and secure the base technology for entering the global satellite market afterward.
KARI transferred its know-how related to developing the Arirang 3A satellite body to a private enterprise, and the R&D project was selected as one of the top 100 excellent national R&D achievements in 2015. Arirang 3A is currently operating normally through a four-year mission period and a two-year life extension.