Launch Site Activities for the Launch of an Earth Observation Satellite

Korea Aerospace Research Institute has developed an earth observation satellite whose primary mission objective is to provide high resolution electro optical earth images for Geographical Information Systems (GIS) establishment and the applications for environmental, agriculture and ocean monitoring. It was successfully launched into its mission orbit by using a commercial launch vehicle on 18th of May, 2012. This paper describes a series of launch activity at the launch site including its transportation to the launch site. Before conducting the launch site operation, satellite operation plane was prepared. Combining the satellite operation plan and launch vehicle activities, an integrated launch site operation plan and schedule have been drawn up. After arrival of the spacecraft at the launch site, post-ship check out has been conducted. And then it was fuel loaded and integrated with launch vehicle hardware. After completion of final electrical check out, count down procedure was executed. on 18th of May, it was launched into the space and was separated from the launch vehicle as planned. About 3 months of early operation and calibration/validation, now the satellite is conducting its normal mission.