KOMPSAT-6 Satellite Capabilities

Next-Generation X-Band SAR Satellite for High-Resolution Earth Observation

Expected launch: November 2026
 

About the KOMPSAT-6 Satellite

Scheduled for launch late 2026, KOMPSAT-6 is the next evolution of Korea’s advanced radar imaging program, developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Designed as the successor to KOMPSAT-5, KOMPSAT-6 delivers significantly enhanced high-resolution radar imagery for advanced Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Earth observation applications.

KOMPSAT-6 carries two key payloads. The primary payload, the XSAR instrument (X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar), provides all-weather, day-and-night radar imaging suitable for mapping, disaster monitoring, environmental assessment, and land and ocean management. The secondary payload, the S-AIS (Satellite Automatic Identification System), supports maritime traffic management by identifying vessel position, heading, cargo, and navigation patterns, enhancing maritime safety and collision prevention.

High-Quality Radar Imaging

Provides superior radar imaging with clearer, more detailed surface observations than optical sensors in low-light or cloudy conditions.

Wide Swath Width

Offers multiple swath width modes from 5 km to 100 km, enabling both detailed site analysis and broad-scale regional coverage.

Comprehensive Monitoring

Supports land, coastal, and ocean monitoring for environmental management, conservation, maritime surveillance, and disaster response.

Key Features and Benefits of KOMPSAT-6 Satellite

• Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit with an anticipated dawn–dusk track and an estimated repeat cycle of 11 days (TBC), enabling consistent and predictable revisit capability for long-term environmental and land monitoring.
• Equipped with next-generation X-band SAR technology, providing high-resolution radar imagery essential for GIS analysis, infrastructure assessment, hazard detection, and large-scale resource management.
• Includes S-AIS maritime tracking capabilities, delivering enhanced monitoring of vessel movement, maritime safety, and coastal zone management.

KOMPSAT-6 is part of the broader KOMPSAT constellation by SIIS, which also includes KOMPSAT-2, KOMPSAT-3, KOMPSAT-3A, KOMPSAT-5, and future missions such as KOMPSAT-7 and 7A. Geoimage provides high-quality data products from these satellites to support a wide range of Earth observation needs.

Learn more about the KOMPSAT constellation and Geoimage’s partnership with SIIS.