L3Harris Technologies has been selected by LIG Nex1 to build the primary imaging payload for South Korea’s next-generation geostationary weather satellite. This contract underscores L3Harris’ pivotal role in advancing global meteorological observation technology.
The company will develop the 18-channel GEO-KOMPSAT Meteorological Imager for the GEO-KOMPSAT-5 satellite, a key asset for the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). This advanced instrument is engineered to deliver unprecedented data for forecasting over the Korean Peninsula. It features two specialized channels for refined water vapor measurement and delivers imagery at enhanced spatial resolutions. These capabilities are critical for improving the accuracy and timeliness of severe weather warnings, directly supporting public safety and disaster preparedness.
Jeff Hanke, President of Space Systems at L3Harris, emphasized the mission’s importance. “This technology will enable the earlier detection and more detailed tracking of significant threats, including tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall, and wildfires,” he stated. “Our focus is on providing on-orbit technology that enhances safety and well-being for communities.”
This new contract extends a long-standing partnership between L3Harris and the Republic of Korea. It builds upon a 60-year heritage in weather satellite development. L3Harris previously supplied the Advanced Meteorological Imager for the KMA’s currently operational GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellite and supported the imager on its predecessor mission. This continuity positions the GEO-KOMPSAT-5 program for success by leveraging proven expertise and prior mission knowledge.
L3Harris’ leadership in meteorological imaging has a global footprint. Beyond the Korean program, the company’s technology is integral to other major international systems. This includes the forthcoming GeoXO satellite system for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the next-generation Himawari-10 satellite for the Japan Meteorological Agency. This broad application demonstrates the reliability and advanced capability of L3Harris’ solutions in monitoring Earth’s weather and climate.
The GEO-KOMPSAT-5 satellite, equipped with the new L3Harris imager, is poised to become a vital tool for regional environmental monitoring. By delivering sharper, more frequent, and more detailed observations of atmospheric conditions, it will empower meteorologists with the data needed to make more precise forecasts, ultimately helping to protect lives and property across East Asia.
