South Korea's Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) released high-resolution test images captured by the Arirang-7 multipurpose satellite, showing Seoul's Jamsil Olympic Stadium and Lotte World Tower in unprecedented detail.
KASA unveiled on Thursday the first images and initial operational results from both Arirang-7 and the Next-Generation Medium Satellite (CAS500-3). The two satellites were launched in December and November last year, respectively.
Arirang-7 is a high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite, representing the culmination of technology developed since Arirang-1 launched in 1999 with 6.6-meter resolution. The latest images demonstrate sub-0.3-meter ultra-high resolution capable of identifying vehicle types on the ground. Individual seats in Jamsil Olympic Stadium are clearly visible, and vehicles traveling on roads near Lotte World Tower can be distinguished by model.
KASA assessed that Korea has secured firm "satellite technology sovereignty" by eliminating dependence on foreign-made core payload components. The satellite is also expected to perform precision monitoring of disaster areas, including regions at risk of large-scale wildfires.
CAS500-3 released high-resolution aurora observation results through ROKITS, a payload developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. ROKITS successfully captured aurora footage during the geomagnetic storm on April 14.
KASA plans to transition both satellites to normal operations for full mission deployment soon. Once normal operations begin, Arirang-7 and CAS500-3 will provide stable, high-quality imagery and observation data, fully assuming their roles as national space assets.