Arirang-7 is a 2,000-kg class multipurpose satellite equipped with some of the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade optical sensors. 30-cm-class imagery: entering the top tier of global satellite capability

Arirang-7 is a 2,000-kg class multipurpose satellite equipped with some of the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade optical sensors. The satellite delivers 30 cm resolution in panchromatic mode and 1.2 m in color, a performance level currently achieved only by a small group of space powers, including the United States and China. Its deployment marks South Korea’s entry into the “top tier” of global high-resolution imaging technology. Arirang-7 will operate in sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 500–600 km, with a planned mission life of four years.

First Korean satellite with CMG-based precision attitude control

The satellite is the first in Korea to incorporate a Control Moment Gyro (CMG) precision attitude control system. CMG technology allows the spacecraft to rapidly and accurately shift its line of sight, enabling stable ultra-high-resolution imaging — a key requirement for strategic Earth observation missions. Arirang-7 also adopts Korea’s first optical data transmission technology, allowing near-real-time downlink of large volumes of Earth observation data. To support this, the spacecraft includes a terabit-class onboard storage system for high-capacity data retention.

Full mission operations to begin in early 2026

After launch, the satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle approximately 45 minutes later before entering its designated orbit. Following initial checkout and calibration, Arirang-7 will begin full operational service in the first half of 2026. The ultra-high-resolution imagery is expected to significantly strengthen national capabilities in disaster monitoring, such as assessing the scale of large wildfires or flood damage within hours. The satellite will also support land and coastal surveillance, urban management, security, and strategic reconnaissance.

Vega-C VV28 mission to deploy the satellite into SSO

The launch is part of Arianespace’s Vega-C VV28 mission, which will place Arirang-7 into sun-synchronous orbit. Satellite separation is anticipated roughly 45 minutes after liftoff. A Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) official stated, “Arirang-7 will elevate South Korea’s Earth observation and imagery intelligence capabilities to an entirely new level. Once operational, it will greatly enhance national disaster response and strategic monitoring from next year onward.”

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk