KOMPSAT-6 (Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-6 / Arirang-6) is South Korea’s second Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite, developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) as a follow-on to KOMPSAT-5. It aims to deliver high-resolution, all-weather radar imagery for GIS applications, land and ocean management, environmental and disaster monitoring, and other national needs. KOMPSAT-6 carries two payloads — XSAR (X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) and S-AIS (Satellite-Automatic Identification System). XSAR provides high-resolution radar imagery with multiple operation modes, while S-AIS tracks maritime vessel data to support collision avoidance and traffic management.

The XSAR payload operates at 9.66 GHz (X-band) with resolutions of 0.5 m, 1 m, 3 m, and 20 m depending on mode, and swath widths of up to 100 km. It supports single, dual, or quad polarisation (HH, HV, VH, VV) and can capture data for up to 150 seconds per orbit. The instrument’s architecture consists of the SAR Sensor Subsystem (SSS), Data Link Subsystem (DLS), and Payload Module (PLM). The SSS includes components such as the SAR Controller Electronics, Radio Frequency Electronics, Front-End Interface, and an active phased array antenna capable of electronic beam steering. The DLS manages data storage and X-band transmission to ground, with onboard storage of 1 Tbit and a 600 Mbit/s downlink rate.

The spacecraft bus, jointly developed by LIG Nex1 (Korea) and Airbus Defence and Space (Germany), has a wet mass of 1,750 kg, a power capacity of 2.25 kW, and a design life of five years. Built with a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer structure, it features 3-axis attitude control, dual-frequency GPS for 20 cm orbit accuracy, and ±37° off-pointing capability. It uses S-band for telemetry and control and X-band for data transmission. The Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) uses triple-junction solar cells producing 2,250 W at end-of-life, an 82 Ah lithium-ion battery, and a Power Control & Distribution Unit (PCDU) that delivers 100 V to the high-power SAR payload.

KOMPSAT-6 operates in a sun-synchronous dawn-dusk orbit at approximately 505–550 km altitude, 97.4–98.1° inclination, and a Local Time of Ascending Node of 6 a.m. Its ground segment, located at KARI, consists of three main components: the Mission Control Element (MCE) for satellite control and planning, the Image Reception and Processing Element (IRPE) for data reception and product generation, and the Calibration Element (CE) for SAR calibration and performance verification. Additional support is provided by the King Sejong Antarctic Station and other international ground stations for data acquisition and orbit determination.

The S-AIS payload, developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), operates in the VHF band and stores up to 4 GB of maritime identification data. It can process signals onboard or transmit raw data for ground processing. Mechanically, the AIS receiver and antennas are mounted on the satellite’s structure using non-magnetic metallic housings for electromagnetic protection.

Courtesy of ESA.

ESA’s Vega-C is a next-generation launch vehicle that succeeds the original Vega rocket, offering enhanced performance, greater payload volume, and increased competitiveness. Operating from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, Vega-C strengthens Europe’s independent access to space and supports a wider range of missions, including return-to-Earth operations with ESA's upcoming reusable Space Rider vehicle.

Specs

Height: 34.8 m (114 ft)

Diameter: 3.4 m (11 ft)

Mass: 210,000 kg (460,000 lb)

Stages: 4

Payload to sun-synchronous orbit: 2,300 kg (5,100 lb)

Payload to polar orbit: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)

Vega-C is designed to accommodate a variety of missions, from launching small CubeSats to carrying a single large satellite. It features significant upgrades over its predecessor, including new solid propulsion stages, an enhanced upper stage with reignition capability, a larger fairing for increased volume, and upgraded ground infrastructure.

Its upper stage, AVUM+ (Attitude Vernier Upper Module), enables precise orbital insertions and multiple burns, making it ideal for delivering multiple payloads to different orbits in a single mission. Once all payloads are deployed, AVUM+ performs a final deorbit burn to minimize space debris.

Vega-C’s development and operations are supported by multiple ESA member states, reflecting broad European cooperation. Participating countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Courtesy of ESA

The Ensemble de Lancement Vega (ELV) pad at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (Guiana Space Centre) was previously used to launch the Europa, Ariane 1, Ariane 2, and Ariane 3 rockets under a different name.

It hosted its first launch on November 5, 1971, when a Europa rocket carried the STV-4 payload. The pad was last used in 1989 for the final Ariane 3 launch before going unused until 2012, when Vega began operations.

Located in French Guiana, the ELV pad is part of the French and European spaceport near Kourou, on the northern coast of South America.

Guiana Space Centre

The Guiana Space Centre has been operational since 1968, serving the European Space Agency (ESA), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), and commercial companies such as Arianespace and Azercosmos.

A total of nine different rocket types have launched from the spaceport, including three active rockets and six retired vehicles.

The current launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Centre include:

Ariane 5 – for heavy payloads.

Soyuz 2 (provided by Russia) – for medium-mass satellites.

Vega – for smaller spacecraft.

The spaceport is also preparing for the upcoming Ariane 6, Vega C, and Vega E rockets, which are currently under development.

Photo courtesy of Arianespace