# Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4

> North Korean Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q22668125](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22668125)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kwangmyongsong-4

## Summary
Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 is a North Korean Earth observation satellite launched in 2016 as part of the Kwangmyŏngsŏng program. It was the second satellite successfully orbited by North Korea, following Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, and operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 7, 2016, at 00:30 UTC from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station.
- **Mass**: Approximately 200 kg at launch.
- **Operator & Manufacturer**: National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) of North Korea.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Unha-3 rocket (5th flight of this model).
- **Orbit Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 30, 2023.
- **COMPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 2016-009A.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 3 panels.
- **Predecessor**: Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, North Korea's first successfully orbited satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4?
A: Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 was an Earth observation satellite designed to monitor the Earth's surface from orbit, though specific details about its capabilities or data usage remain limited.

### Q: When was Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 launched?
A: It was launched on February 7, 2016, at 00:30 UTC from North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

### Q: How long did Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 remain in orbit?
A: The satellite operated for over seven years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on June 30, 2023.

### Q: What rocket launched Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4?
A: It was launched using the Unha-3, a North Korean expendable launch vehicle, on its fifth flight.

### Q: Who operated Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4?
A: The satellite was operated by North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA), which also manufactured it.

## Why It Matters
Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 represents a significant milestone in North Korea's space program, demonstrating the country's advancing capabilities in satellite technology and rocket launches. As the second satellite successfully placed into orbit by North Korea, it underscored the nation's determination to develop independent space-based observation capabilities, despite international sanctions and technical challenges. Earth observation satellites like Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 can serve dual purposes, including civilian applications like weather monitoring and agricultural planning, as well as potential military or strategic uses. Its launch and operation also contributed to the broader geopolitical discourse surrounding North Korea's technological ambitions and the implications for regional security.

## Notable For
- **Second Successful Orbit**: First North Korean satellite to follow Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, marking a continuation of the country's space program.
- **Long Operational Lifespan**: Remained in orbit for over seven years before decay, exceeding the lifespan of some early satellites.
- **Indigenous Development**: Fully designed, manufactured, and operated by North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration.
- **Unha-3 Launch Vehicle**: Demonstrated the reliability of North Korea's homegrown rocket technology.
- **International Scrutiny**: Launch was closely monitored by global agencies due to its potential dual-use implications and violations of UN sanctions.

## Body
### Overview
Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 is an Earth observation satellite developed by North Korea as part of the Kwangmyŏngsŏng program. It was launched on February 7, 2016, using the Unha-3 rocket, marking the second successful satellite deployment by the country. The satellite had a launch mass of approximately 200 kg and was powered by a solar array consisting of three panels.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Site**: Sohae Satellite Launching Station, North Korea.
- **Launch Time**: 00:30 UTC on February 7, 2016.
- **Orbit Decay**: The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 30, 2023, after over seven years in orbit.
- **COMPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 2016-009A, indicating its official cataloging in global satellite databases.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: ~200 kg (launch weight).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with three panels.
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA), North Korea's space agency.

### Context and Significance
Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 was part of North Korea's broader efforts to develop independent space capabilities, despite international sanctions. The launch was controversial, as the Unha-3 rocket's technology is derived from ballistic missile programs, raising concerns about violations of UN resolutions. The satellite's Earth observation capabilities, while officially stated for civilian purposes, could also have military applications, such as reconnaissance.

### Program Background
The Kwangmyŏngsŏng program is North Korea's satellite development initiative, with Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 being the fourth in the series. It followed Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, which was North Korea's first successfully orbited satellite, launched in 2012. The program aims to demonstrate North Korea's technological prowess and reduce reliance on foreign space assets.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4",
  "description": "North Korean Earth observation satellite launched in 2016 as part of the Kwangmyŏngsŏng program.",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kwangmyongsong-4.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41332)
4. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)