Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- Hanwha Systems, a major defense contractor in South Korea, will participate in the development of an infrared imaging system of Arirang 7A, a low-orbit earth observation satellite with ultra-high-resolution optical capabilities that will be launched in 2021. It will be South Korea's first satellite to apply optical transmission technology for the transfer of images in real-time.

Hanwha will work with the state-run Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) for the infrared radiation (IR) observation system of Arirang 7A that will provide an improved resolution to enhance detection and observation capabilities. High-quality satellite images can be secured for 24 hours for use in various fields such as disaster prevention, weather prediction, territory management and the analysis of urban heat island.

"We have strengthened our unique position and competitiveness in the domestic space satellite field based on our ability to independently develop satellite-mounted equipment," Hanwha Systems CEO Kim Youn-chul said in a statement.

The KOMPSAT (Arirang) satellite has been developed by KARI. Arirang 7 will use Terra-bit or higher storage technology to store large-capacity image data. KARI is also developing real-time data compression and encryption technologies to transfer data to the earth within a limited time.