Splash247: South Korea approves $555m satellite to transform ocean monitoring

Published by Splash247

South Korea has given the green light to develop Cheollian Satellite 6, a geostationary environmental and ocean observation satellite scheduled for launch in 2033, extending a three-decade legacy of monitoring air and marine conditions around the Korean Peninsula.

The project, jointly planned by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korea AeroSpace Administration, and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, has passed the preliminary feasibility study for national R&D programmes.

Development is set to begin next year, with a total budget of about KRW770bn ($555m).

Cheollian 6 will succeed Cheollian 2B, launched in 2020 and due to reach the end of its operational life in 2030.

The new satellite will carry upgraded environmental and ocean payloads with higher resolution and more observation channels, enabling neighbourhood-level pollution monitoring and more frequent scans of marine hazards such as red tides, oil spills and low-salinity water intrusions.

Unlike its predecessor, which alternates between atmospheric and ocean modes, Cheollian 6 can observe both simultaneously.

The programme also aims to localise key technologies, including geostationary satellite payloads and a hybrid propulsion system combining chemical and electric thrusters. Officials say this will strengthen South Korea’s technological self-reliance in satellite development and support future entry into overseas markets.

“Extensive, long-term continuous ocean observations spanning over 30 years from Cheollian Satellite 1 to 6 will serve as key data for ocean and fisheries policy decisions and climate change response,” said Jang Myo-In, director general of the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency.

Once operational, the satellite is expected to provide faster, more accurate assessments of ultrafine dust, ground-level ozone, and wildfire impacts on air quality, as well as real-time support for marine disaster response and public safety.