# Korsat-7

> South Korean electro-optical/infrared reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q125399939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125399939)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/korsat-7

## Summary
Korsat-7 is a South Korean electro-optical/infrared reconnaissance satellite built by Korea Aerospace Industries and operated by the Agency for Defense Development. It is part of South Korea’s 425 project reconnaissance satellite system and was launched on 2023-12-01 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Key Facts
- Instance: reconnaissance satellite (electro-optical/infrared).
- Launch date and time: 2023-12-01 at 18:19 (launch time recorded as 18:19).
- Launch vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 using booster B1061 (designation B1061.17).
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- Operator: Agency for Defense Development (South Korea).
- Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
- Program: Part of the 425 project reconnaissance satellite system (aliases include "425 Project Flight 1" and "425 Project EO/IR Sat 1").
- Identifiers: SCN 58463; COSPAR ID 2023-185B; NSSDC ID 2023-185H.
- Power: powered by spacecraft solar arrays (4).
- Country of origin: South Korea.
- Significant event: rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on 2023-12-01.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Korsat-7?
A: Korsat-7 is a South Korean electro-optical/infrared reconnaissance satellite built by Korea Aerospace Industries and operated by the Agency for Defense Development as part of the 425 project.

### Q: When and how was Korsat-7 launched?
A: Korsat-7 was launched on 2023-12-01 at 18:19 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (booster B1061) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: Who operates and manufactured Korsat-7?
A: The satellite is operated by the Agency for Defense Development and manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries.

### Q: What identifiers does Korsat-7 have?
A: Korsat-7 carries SCN 58463, COSPAR ID 2023-185B, and NSSDC ID 2023-185H.

## Why It Matters
Korsat-7 is a purpose-built electro-optical/infrared reconnaissance satellite that contributes to South Korea’s national reconnaissance capability through the 425 project. As an EO/IR platform, it is intended for imaging-related intelligence roles associated with reconnaissance-class satellites. Its manufacture by Korea Aerospace Industries demonstrates domestic aerospace industrial participation in national defense space assets. The satellite’s launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Vandenberg illustrates use of an international commercial launch vehicle to place a South Korean defense satellite into orbit. Korsat-7’s inclusion in the 425 project indicates it is a component of a broader, planned reconnaissance satellite system. Identifiers such as COSPAR and NSSDC IDs (2023-185B and 2023-185H) and a recorded SCN (58463) allow the satellite to be tracked and referenced in international space object registries.

## Notable For
- Part of South Korea’s 425 project reconnaissance satellite system and listed as "425 Project Flight 1" / "425 Project EO/IR Sat 1."
- Launched on 2023-12-01 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 booster B1061.
- Built by Korea Aerospace Industries and operated by the Agency for Defense Development.
- Identified in catalogs with SCN 58463, COSPAR ID 2023-185B, and NSSDC ID 2023-185H.
- Powered by four spacecraft solar arrays.

## Body

### Classification and Role
- Instance: reconnaissance satellite.
- Sensor type: electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), indicating imaging capability in optical and infrared bands as a reconnaissance asset.
- Program affiliation: part of the 425 project reconnaissance satellite system.

### Identifiers
- SCN: 58463.
- COSPAR ID: 2023-185B.
- NSSDC ID: 2023-185H.

### Launch
- Launch date: 2023-12-01.
- Launch time recorded: 18:19.
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Block 5.
  - Booster designation: B1061 (notation B1061.17 recorded).
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- Significant event recorded: rocket launch from Vandenberg SLC-4E on 2023-12-01.

### Manufacturer and Operator
- Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
- Operator: Agency for Defense Development (South Korea).
- Country of origin: South Korea.

### Power and Bus Details
- Power source: spacecraft solar arrays.
  - Number of arrays recorded: 4.

### Program Context
- Part of: 425 project (South Korean reconnaissance satellite system).
- Aliases used in program documentation: "425 Project Flight 1" and "425 Project EO/IR Sat 1."

### Recorded References and Documentation
- Multiple registry and program records list Korsat-7 with the identifiers and program associations above, and document the launch on 2023-12-01 from Vandenberg aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/425-project-eoir.htm)
2. SATCAT
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7357)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2023-185H)