# Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Satellite 4

> space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q626090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q626090)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STSat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/korea-advanced-institute-of-science-and-technology-satellite-4

## Summary
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Satellite 4 (STSAT-1) is a South Korean space observatory launched in 2003. It was developed by KAIST's Satellite Technology Research Center and operated as a space telescope for observing distant space objects.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 27, 2003, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- Operated as a space telescope for astronomical observations
- Launched aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Soviet Union/Russia
- Has COSPAR ID 2003-042G and NSSDCA ID 2003-042G
- Also known by aliases STSAT-1 and 우리별 4호 (Uriul 4-ho)
- Operated by KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center
- Has 6 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions
- Featured in the Commons category STSat-1
- Listed in Encyclopædia Britannica Online under "Science and Technology Satellite"

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of STSAT-1?
A: STSAT-1 serves as a space observatory and space telescope for observing distant space objects from Earth orbit.

### Q: When and how was STSAT-1 launched?
A: STSAT-1 was launched on September 27, 2003, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket.

### Q: Who operates STSAT-1?
A: STSAT-1 is operated by the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center in South Korea.

## Why It Matters
STSAT-1 represents South Korea's advancement in space technology and astronomical research capabilities. As the country's first dedicated space observatory, it enabled Korean scientists to conduct independent space-based observations without relying on foreign facilities. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated South Korea's growing technical expertise in spacecraft development and operation, contributing to the nation's space program development. By providing access to space-based astronomical observations, STSAT-1 helped establish South Korea as a participant in the global space science community and supported the training of domestic space scientists and engineers.

## Notable For
- First South Korean space observatory dedicated to astronomical observations
- Successfully launched as part of South Korea's space program development
- Operated by KAIST, a leading Korean science and technology institution
- Launched aboard a Russian Kosmos-3M rocket, demonstrating international collaboration
- Featured in major reference works including Encyclopædia Britannica Online

## Body
### Development and Launch
STSAT-1 was developed by the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center as part of South Korea's space program initiatives. The satellite was launched on September 27, 2003, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in Russia. The launch vehicle was a Kosmos-3M rocket, a proven Russian launch system.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite operates as a space telescope, designed for observing distant space objects from Earth orbit. It carries the COSPAR designation 2003-042G and is cataloged in the NSSDCA database with the same identifier. The satellite has been assigned the Wikidata identifier 27945 and is referenced in various astronomical and space technology databases.

### Operations and Management
KAIST's Satellite Technology Research Center serves as the primary operator of STSAT-1. The center manages the satellite's operations, data collection, and scientific observations. The satellite's activities are documented across multiple Wikipedia language editions including English, French, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean.

### Documentation and Recognition
STSAT-1 is documented in the Commons category STSat-1 and has been featured in the Encyclopædia Britannica Online under the topic "Science and Technology Satellite" by Erik Gregersen. The satellite's development and launch represent significant milestones in South Korea's space technology capabilities and scientific research infrastructure.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report