South Korea's Compact Advanced Satellite (CAS) 500-2 successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite entered low-Earth orbit and made first contact with a ground station in Norway. The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) confirmed it is operating normally.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 11:59 p.m. Saturday (U.S. local time, or 12 a.m. May 3) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, carrying 45 payloads including CAS500-2. The 534-kilogram satellite separated from the launch vehicle about one hour after liftoff and entered low-Earth orbit. About 15 minutes later, it established first communication with a ground station in Norway, confirming normal operation, according to the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries for disaster monitoring and agricultural observation, CAS500-2 offers high-resolution imaging with 0.5-meter black-and-white and 2-meter color ground resolution. After a four-month initial operation, it will join CAS500-1 for missions in the second half of this year. The launch was originally scheduled for 2022 on a Russian Soyuz rocket but delayed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
KASA noted that key components of the platform and payload were developed with homegrown technology, strengthening South Korea's space independence. "The successful launch of CAS500-2 marked a major milestone in opening the private-led space era," KASA Administrator Oh Tae-seog said, adding it will bolster the country's satellite technology competitiveness by securing high-precision imagery capabilities.
Authorities expect the mission to enhance Seoul's satellite development capabilities.
