Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City Signs Agreement with Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute for Launch and Joint Operation of “BusanSat”… Full-Scale Utilization of Global Ocean Satellite Data

내용

Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it signed a written agreement on April 24 with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute for the launch and joint operation of the ocean observation satellite “BusanSat,” and will begin full-scale preparations for launch and operational cooperation.

This agreement was established to specify role-sharing and cooperation systems in the launch and operation stages, based on the memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the BusanSat PolCube mission signed between the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute—designated as the domestic implementing agency under the Korea-U.S. Space Cooperation Agreement concluded in March—and NASA.

Both institutions plan to systematically carry out the entire process, from satellite launch to ground station operation and data collection, processing, and distribution, based on international cooperation with NASA, thereby securing global-level capabilities in data analysis and utilization.

BusanSat is a nanosatellite developed to observe atmospheric environments such as marine fine particulate matter. It collects and analyzes data across the entire marine domain for use in environmental research and policy applications.

BusanSat was developed in 2022 as the first satellite produced by a local government through technical cooperation among Busan Metropolitan City, Busan Techno Park, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, and Nara Space Technology Inc. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute developed the polarization camera payload (PolCube), while Nara Space Technology Inc. developed the satellite body.

The polarization camera mounted on BusanSat enables clearer and more precise observation than conventional cameras, allowing more accurate analysis of the size and composition of fine particulate matter in the ocean and atmosphere.

The city has continuously worked with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute to verify and calibrate the performance of the polarization camera, thereby improving the accuracy of observation data and the reliability of the equipment.

Under this agreement, the city will promote the launch and ground station operation of BusanSat, data collection and sharing, and collaboration with universities and research institutions. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute will oversee international cooperation with NASA and provide technical support, including data processing and algorithm development, as well as inspection of the PolCube payload.

In addition, both institutions plan to link BusanSat data with international-level analysis systems through cooperation with NASA and jointly advance marine fine particulate matter observation and data processing technologies.

The city expects that this agreement will go beyond a simple satellite launch and serve as a turning point in creating an ocean data-based industrial ecosystem that connects data collection, analysis, and utilization.

Furthermore, by leveraging Busan’s strengths as a maritime capital, the city anticipates leading the service industry utilizing marine satellite data and contributing to the creation of a regional innovative marine new industry ecosystem involving related companies, research institutions, and universities.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “This agreement is a key step toward the successful launch and practical operation of BusanSat,” adding, “Based on trust and cooperation with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and NASA, we will secure the data necessary to respond to global climate change and actively utilize it in local industries and policies.”