Bremen, 16 May 2003. A major milestone was completed in realising the launch of the KOMPSAT-2 satellite with the Rockot launch vehicle.

The KOMPSAT-2 Structural Thermal Model (STM) successfully underwent two consecutive separation shock tests on 7th and 8th May 2003 at KARI's facilities (Korea Aerospace Research Institute) in Daejon, South Korea.

The KOMPSAT-2 satellite is accommodated on a Eurockot supplied payload adapter equipped with an EADS CASA CRSS 1194 SRF clamp band system. This system comprises of an 1194 mm diameter band with a Khrunichev supplied pyrolock.

The STM separation shock test is part of a planned series of activities concerning the integration of the satellite with the launch vehicle and provides an early opportunity for KARI to measure the separation system induced shocks at various locations on the KOMPSAT-2 satellite.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) of Daejon, Republic of Korea, and Eurockot Launch Services of Bremen, Germany, signed a contract in October 2002 covering the launch services for the Korean KOMPSAT-2 earth observation satellite. KOMPSAT-2 is scheduled to be launched in November 2004 using the Rockot launch vehicle from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. The selection of Eurockot follows an international launch competition by KARI. Rockot will deploy the satellite, which has a mass of 800 kg into a circular sun-synchronous orbit of 685 km altitude. This is the 4th launch contract for Eurockot in the Far East.

As well as having developed the KOrean MultiPurposeSATellite KOMPSAT-2, KARI is also acting as the system integrator for this programme. KOMPSAT-2 will provide multispectral, high resolution images for earth observation. Other international partners in the programme include Astrium GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany, who will supply components and support services.

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