# Koreasat 6A

> South Korean geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q126122621](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126122621)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/koreasat-6a

## Summary
Koreasat 6A is a South Korean geostationary communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services. Built by Thales Alenia Space and operated by KT Sat, it is expected to launch in 2024 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. The satellite is based on the Spacebus-4000B2 platform and features a spacecraft solar array and an S400 power system.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Mass**: 3,500 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Country of origin**: South Korea
- **Operator**: KT Sat
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and S400 (1)
- **Launch date**: No earlier than 2024
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Service life**: 15 years (design life)
- **Launch vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5
- **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-4000B2
- **Contract signed**: September 2022

## FAQs
### Q: What is Koreasat 6A used for?
A: Koreasat 6A is a geostationary communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, supporting South Korea's KT Sat operator.

### Q: Who built Koreasat 6A?
A: Koreasat 6A was built by Thales Alenia Space, a French aerospace company, and is based on the Spacebus-4000B2 platform.

### Q: When will Koreasat 6A launch?
A: The satellite is expected to launch no earlier than 2024, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: What is the expected lifespan of Koreasat 6A?
A: Koreasat 6A has a design life of 15 years, meaning it is expected to operate for that duration in geostationary orbit.

### Q: What power systems does Koreasat 6A use?
A: The satellite is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 power system.

## Why It Matters
Koreasat 6A plays a crucial role in South Korea's telecommunications infrastructure by providing reliable and high-capacity communication services. As a geostationary satellite, it remains fixed over a specific location on Earth, ensuring continuous coverage for broadcasting, internet, and other data services. The satellite's 15-year design life and advanced power systems make it a long-term solution for KT Sat's operational needs. Its deployment supports South Korea's efforts to maintain robust communication networks, which are essential for economic growth, national security, and public services. By leveraging the Spacebus-4000B2 platform and the Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle, Koreasat 6A represents a significant advancement in South Korea's space capabilities and its contribution to global satellite communications.

## Notable For
- **First geostationary communications satellite** for South Korea under the Koreasat series, following the Mugunghwa 6A alias.
- **Powered by a combination** of spacecraft solar arrays and an S400 system, ensuring reliable energy supply.
- **Built on the Spacebus-4000B2 platform**, a proven design for geostationary satellites.
- **Operated by KT Sat**, one of South Korea's leading telecommunications providers.
- **Expected to launch in 2024**, marking a key milestone in South Korea's space program.

## Body
### Overview
Koreasat 6A is a South Korean geostationary communications satellite developed to enhance telecommunications services. It is part of the Koreasat series and is also known by the alias Mugunghwa 6A. The satellite was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, a French aerospace company, and is based on the Spacebus-4000B2 spacecraft bus.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite has a launch weight of 3,500 kilograms.
- **Power Systems**: Koreasat 6A is equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 power system to ensure continuous operation.
- **Orbit**: It operates in a geostationary orbit, remaining fixed over a specific location on Earth.
- **Service Life**: The satellite has a design life of 15 years, indicating its expected operational duration.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Koreasat 6A is scheduled to launch using the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, a current version of SpaceX's orbital launch vehicle.
- **Launch Date**: The satellite is expected to launch no earlier than 2024.
- **Operator**: KT Sat, a South Korean telecommunications company, will operate the satellite.

### Historical Context
- **Contract**: The satellite's development was contracted in September 2022, marking a significant step in South Korea's space program.
- **Significance**: Koreasat 6A represents an advancement in South Korea's space capabilities and its role in global satellite communications.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/koreasat-6a.htm)