Virginia-headquartered space services company Spire Global has reached agreement to build and operate two additional Earth observation satellites for Korea’s Hancom InSpace.

Sejong-2 and Sejong-3 will complement the Spire-built Sejong-1 to expand image analysis solutions. Together, these satellites will form a constellation for Korea’s first three-satellite remote sensing image data service.

Hancom, initially a spin-off by Korea Aerospace Research Institute, specializes in commercial and government applications of image analysis, including detection of vehicles, aircraft and ships, changes in roads and buildings, and pine tree death detection. The missions are focused on collecting optical imagery for applications in the agriculture sector, including landscaping applications and the expansion of its existing image analysis portfolio offerings. Hancom plans to launch and operate a constellation of up to 50 satellites.

Sejong-1, pictured, is a Spire satellite carrying an optical payload for Hancom, launched in May 2022 on the SpaceX Transporter-5 Mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was the first commercial satellite deployed for a private South Korean company.

“Collaborating with Hancom Group on the expansion of their satellite constellation is a testament to the innovative spirit driving advancements in the South Korean space industry,” said Frank Frulio, general manager of Space Services at Spire.

“Collaborating with Spire Global underscores our commitment to advancing the capabilities of our satellite constellation. Sejong-2 and Sejong-3, alongside Sejong-1, mark a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge image analysis solutions. Sejong-2 will serve as an extension of Sejong-1, focusing on maritime, agricultural monitoring, and change detection, especially in urban areas, while Sejong-3, equipped with a hyperspectral imager, will leverage its spectral range advantages for applications such as calculating wildfire damage area, analyzing air pollution levels, and assessing river water quality. With the integration of images from our own multispectral and hyperspectral imagers, drones, and high-performance ground cameras, we are poised to expand our image utilization portfolio even further.

“We anticipate that the image quality of both Sejong-2 and Sejong-3 will be as exceptional as that of Sejong-1.” Dr. Myungjin Choi, the CEO of HANCOM InSpace.
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter