# KOMPSAT-3A

> South Korean Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16261847](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16261847)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KOMPSAT-3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kompsat-3a

## Summary  
KOMPSAT-3A is a South Korean Earth observation satellite launched in 2015 to capture high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning. It is part of the KOMPSAT series developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The satellite was launched using a Dnepr rocket from Dombarovsky, Russia.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on March 25, 2015  
- Country of origin: South Korea  
- Launch site: Dombarovsky, Russia  
- Launch vehicle: Dnepr  
- Developer: Korea Aerospace Research Institute  
- Instance of: Earth observation satellite  
- COSPAR ID: 2015-014A  
- Follows: KOMPSAT-5  
- Followed by: KOMPSAT-6  
- Aliases: Arirang-3A, Arirang IIIA, Korean Multi-Purpose Satellite-3A, KOMPSAT 3A  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is KOMPSAT-3A used for?  
A: KOMPSAT-3A is used for Earth observation, capturing high-resolution optical imagery for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and land-use planning.

### Q: When was KOMPSAT-3A launched?  
A: KOMPSAT-3A was launched on March 25, 2015, from the Dombarovsky launch site in Russia.

### Q: Who developed KOMPSAT-3A?  
A: KOMPSAT-3A was developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), South Korea’s leading aerospace research organization.

## Why It Matters  
KOMPSAT-3A plays a critical role in South Korea's space-based Earth observation capabilities. As part of the broader KOMPSAT program initiated in 1999, it contributes to national security, scientific research, and commercial remote sensing services. Its high-resolution imaging supports timely responses to natural disasters, aids in agricultural and urban planning, and enhances South Korea's technological sovereignty in space-based surveillance. The satellite also reflects the nation's growing expertise in aerospace engineering and international collaboration, particularly through its use of the Ukrainian-Russian Dnepr launch system.

## Notable For  
- Being among the latest in South Korea’s operational Earth observation satellite fleet  
- Providing sub-meter resolution optical imagery suitable for both civilian and potential defense-related uses  
- Utilizing the Dnepr launch vehicle, a converted ICBM, showcasing dual-use space-launch technology  
- Serving as a bridge between KOMPSAT-5 and the upcoming KOMPSAT-6 missions  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
KOMPSAT-3A is an advanced Earth observation satellite operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Designed primarily for high-resolution imaging, it supports government agencies, research institutions, and private companies in various geospatial applications.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Launch Date**: March 25, 2015  
- **Launch Site**: Dombarovsky, Russia  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Dnepr (converted ICBM)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-014A  
- **Developer**: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)  
- **Mission Type**: Earth Observation  
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)  
- **Imagery Resolution**: Sub-meter level (exact resolution not disclosed publicly)  

### Program Context  
KOMPSAT-3A belongs to the KOMPSAT program, which began in 1999 with the goal of developing indigenous South Korean satellite technologies. It succeeded KOMPSAT-5, a reconnaissance-focused satellite, and preceded the planned KOMPSAT-6 mission.

### International Collaboration  
The satellite was launched via the Dnepr rocket, a joint venture involving Ukraine and Russia. This highlights South Korea’s reliance on foreign launch systems while advancing domestic satellite development.

### Applications  
Key application areas include:
- Environmental monitoring
- Urban and regional planning
- Disaster assessment and emergency response
- Agricultural resource mapping
- Maritime surveillance

---

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## References

1. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2015-014A)
2. Jonathan's Space Report