Q. Does Korea have any plans to join the ISS program as a partner country in the future?
Japanese Experiment Module Kibo (courtesy: JAXA/NASA)
Multi-purpose satellite KOMPSAT-3 (courtesy: KARI)
We would like to participate anytime we have the chance, as a partner in many different types of space experiments on the ISS. We are currently considering joint space experiments with Japan, using the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo. We are aiming to launch our experiment equipment in 2015, via the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”, Japan’s a cargo transporter to the ISS, and we plan to conduct joint research in the Kibo laboratory. Q. Do you have any plans for scientific space exploration? One of KARI’s objectives is to launch a probe into lunar orbit around 2023. However, first we need to launch a KSLV-2 rocket successfully, and then enhance it so that we can launch a probe into lunar orbit. So making a purely domestic rocket is our first priority for now. Q. Korea has actively collaborated with foreign countries. How have you found working with Japan? In 2009, Korea booked a launch for the multi-purpose satellite, KOMPSAT-3, with the Japanese company that operates the H-IIA Launch Vehicle. The launch is scheduled for this year. We have also built a collaborative relationship with Japan through APRSAF, which was established in 1993, for the use of observation data provided by Earth observation satellites. And in 2006, KARI and JAXA concluded an agreement on collaboration in the aerospace field. However, this is the first time we’ve had such a full-fledged partnership with Japan, entrusting it with the launch of our satellite. Also, we are looking into conducting joint experiments in the Japanese Kibo laboratory around 2015. We hope that our mutual collaboration will continue to grow in the future.
Q. What was the key factor in choosing the H-IIA Launch Vehicle to launch the multi-purpose satellite KOMPSAT-3?
Thermal vacuum test for multi-purpose satellite KOMPSAT-3 (courtesy: KARI)
Put simply, Japan’s asking price was the lowest in the international bidding process. It was unexpected because we had been under the impression that Japanese rockets were very expensive.
We are very happy that KOMPSAT-3 will be launched on a Japanese rocket, not only because the H-IIA has a high success rate but also because Tanegashima island, where the launch site is located, has a mild climate, and more importantly, it is close to Korea, so it will be easier to transport the satellite there. Q. Apart from launching satellites, Japan is marketing satellites internationally. What has been the motivation for Korea buying satellites from Europe thus far? Why has there not been much collaboration with Japan in space development until now? First of all, it is because Japan had not been very proactive in trying to enter the international market. Also, there used to be very strict export regulations, and a concern that satellite radar technology, which we needed, could be diverted to military use. Frankly speaking, at that time Korea was seen to have little experience in space development, so I think it was Japan that had counted us out, rather than the other way around.
However, Korea has now developed the ability to build a satellite bus, which controls the basic functions of the spacecraft, on our own. We have started to build up both technology and experience, so I think that someday we could possibly work together with Japan on a technological level, for example on developing satellite onboard observation devices.
Q. Has the practical use of satellites been encouraged in Korea?
Chollian satellite (courtesy: KARI)
Image taken by the Chollian satellite (courtesy: KARI)
We don’t have a satellite system like GPS. In our satellite applications, we prioritize national security, resource exploration and disaster monitoring. However, with our Earth-observation satellite data, as a member of the International Disaster Charter, we provide free data and also make sales. We had success selling observation data acquired by the multi-purpose satellite KOMPSAT-2, so we are planning to start commercial applications with KOMPSAT-3 and KOMPSAT-5, which are both scheduled to launch this year. Q. How is the space industry in Korea? KARI plays a leading role in efforts to stimulate Korea’s space industry, and I think the industry is showing growth each year. Four satellites are scheduled for launch this year, so this is the busiest time for us. If these four can be launched successfully, we have six Korean satellites in orbit altogether. I expect that this will provide a foothold for the advancement of the space industry, especially from the point of view of satellite operations and data applications. Q. What do you think the people of Korea expect in terms of space development? They have a strong desire to see their satellites launched from Korea. Rocket launches have something to do with national pride, so people’s interest seems to be high. That makes it all the more important to successfully launch the KSLV-2 as planned in 2021.
Q. Could you tell us about your vision for the future?
First of all, I’d like to send the four satellites off into space without incident this year, as scheduled. For this, it is essential to ensure the success of the third launch of the Naro rocket. Aside from this, our goals for the near future are to continue preparations for space experiments on the ISS and the development of the KSLV-2 rocket as planned. Q. Finally, could you tell us about your expectations for JAXA? Thus far, our collaborative relationship with JAXA has been built primarily through our membership in the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), as a member country. I think that, because JAXA is the leading space agency in the region, APRSAF’s main role has been to make JAXA’s satellite data available to the other members. However, we too would like to take on a more active role in international collaboration by sharing our satellite data, for example. We are also hoping to work more closely with JAXA to contribute to the promotion of space applications in the Asia region.
It will take another 10 years for us to be able to use our own rocket to launch a satellite. We plan to continue to launch satellites in the meantime, so we’d like a successful launch of our KOMPSAT-3 on JAXA’s H-IIA Launch Vehicle this year to be the first step of a successful relationship. And we are also hoping that we will have a chance to collaborate with Japan outside of APRSAF.
Related link: Special Website H-IIA Laundh Vehicle No.21 (Mitsubishi heavy Industries)
SHIZUKU Special Site
