KPC3473-3475: Geostationary Korea Multi Purpose Satellite GEO-KOMPSAT, Cheollian

The Republic of Korea, which took the first step in space development with its successful launch of KITSAT-1 (Uribyol-1) in 1992, has made great strides in a relatively short period of time and is becoming a space powerhouse. To show the observation capabilities of Korea’s geostationary satellite around the world and marking the 10th anniversary of the first launch of GEO-KOMPSAT (Cheollian), Korea Post is issuing the commemorative stamp Geostationary Korea Multi Purpose Satellite GEO-KOMPSAT, Cheollian.

Cheollian 1 is a state-of-the-art satellite that can observe and communicate all year round over the sky and seas of the Korean Peninsula. Cheollian is the name given to Korea’s geostationary satellite which provides timely and accurate data around the clock 36,000 km above the equatorial plane, and its twofold meanings of “clairvoyant seer of a thousand li” and “bringer of benefit and comfort from the sky” signify its role of sharing Korea’s outstanding data with the world. Korea, which successfully launched Cheollian 1 back in 2010, has become a country which has the world’s first geostationary ocean observation satellite and the seventh country to have its own weather satellite following the US, China, Japan, EU, India, and Russia. Cheollian 1 is contributing to the improvement of citizens’ quality of life through public communication as well as ocean and meteorological observation missions. Moreover, it was the first geostationary satellite in Korea to be developed through research and development, which set the bar higher for Korean satellite development.

Cheollian 2A, which was launched on December 5, 2018 based on Cheollian 1’s development technology and experience, has greatly improved performance as it can observe weather conditions in Korea with four times greater resolution than that of Cheollian 1, and conducts observations six times more often. Furthermore, the satellite can be used to monitor and research space weather as it is equipped with equipment to observe space weather.

Cheollian 2B, known as the twin of Cheollian 2A, was launched on February 19, 2020, and it will monitor and observe the atmosphere and seas across East Asia in the geostationary orbit for about a decade. Cheollian 2B also has four times greater ocean observation resolution than that of Cheollian 1, and it can obtain more improved observation data related to oceanic environments, such as red algae, sea fog, and sea ice. In particular, Cheollian 2B has the world’s first geostationary environmental observation payload and is capable of observing various air pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, which are becoming an issue lately.

The successful launch and operation of satellites serve as the standard in which countries’ progress in science and technological development are judged. With this commemorative stamp, we hope that you can appreciate the competitiveness and development of Korea’s space technology, which is taking off as one of the world’s seven largest powerhouses.