Rocket Lab has inked a launch services agreement with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to deploy an Earth observation satellite. The satellite, named NeonSat-1, is part of KAIST’s NeonSat microsatellite constellation programme and is slated for a rideshare mission in the first half of 2024.
NeonSat-1 will take centre stage as the primary payload on an Electron rideshare mission, sharing space with NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite. The mission is set to lift off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand
Commenting on the deal, Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, said: “2024 is shaping up to be our busiest launch year yet with a fully booked manifest of Electron missions. By combining this mission with the launch of NASA’s ACS3 spacecraft, we’ve been able to provide KAIST with a launch opportunity on short notice to help them reach orbit faster. It’s a privilege to be working with the KAIST team and we are thrilled to be providing them with timely and affordable launch services on Electron.”
Jae-Hung Han, Director General of the Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) at KAIST, added: “We highly anticipate collaborating with Rocket Lab for a successful launch of our first satellite of the NeonSat microsatellite constellation programme.”
NeonSat-1 is a cutting-edge high-resolution optical satellite designed as a technology demonstration for KAIST’s planned Earth observation constellation. KAIST, known as Korea’s leading science and technology institution, has a rich history, having developed and operated Korea’s very first satellite more than 30 years ago.
In a demonstration of Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated space systems strategy, NeonSat-1 will not only be launched by Electron but will also utilise Rocket Lab’s MLB satellite separation system.
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