Overview
KOMPSAT-5 (Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite 5) is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operated by SI Imaging Services (SIIS). Launched in 2013, it provides all-weather, day-and-night imaging capability using X-band radar technology.
SAR Capabilities
As a radar imaging satellite, KOMPSAT-5 offers unique advantages:
- All-weather imaging - Penetrates clouds and operates in any atmospheric conditions
- Day and night operation - Active radar illumination enables 24/7 collection
- Surface characterization - Radar backscatter reveals surface properties invisible to optical sensors
Multiple Imaging Modes
KOMPSAT-5 offers flexible imaging modes to match application requirements:
- Spotlight - 0.85 and 1 m resolution for detailed site monitoring (5 km wide scenes)
- Strip - 2.5 and 3 m resolution for regional coverage (30 km x 840 km scenes)
- Wide swath - 20 m resolution for wide-area surveillance (100 km x 840 km scenes)
Applications
KOMPSAT-5's SAR capabilities support critical applications:
- Maritime surveillance - Ship detection and tracking in all conditions
- Disaster response - Flood mapping and damage assessment through clouds
- Defense - All-weather reconnaissance and monitoring
- Infrastructure - Subsidence monitoring and structural analysis
