The Korea AeroSpace Administration and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said on the 18th that the "E3T 1" space verification satellite they developed to check the space-environment performance of domestically made devices and components is operating normally. The two agencies have completed the satellite's initial checks and payload trial runs and will begin full-fledged payload verification missions.
E3T 1 is a test platform set up to verify the radiation tolerance and other performance of domestically made devices and components in the actual space environment. The satellite was launched aboard the Nuri rocket on the 27th and achieved two-way communication on the 4th. It then underwent initial checks of its status and a procedure to trial-run the payload, confirming there were no issues.
E3T 1 will operate in a 600-kilometer orbit for the next 6–12 months and carry out space verification missions for domestically made devices, components, and semiconductors. The satellite measures 12U (1U is 10 centimeters on each side), and the 4U bus was co-developed by KARI and Nara Space Technology.
The payload (8U) carries Samsung Electronics' DRAM and NAND flash, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)'s ADC/DAC application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and MID's SRAM, including eight types of space-grade devices that the Korea AeroSpace Administration localized last year.
Han Chang-heon, director general of the space and aviation industry bureau at the Korea AeroSpace Administration, said, "As E3T 1 begins its space verification mission, we will be able to secure a space-use track record for domestically made devices and components," and added, "We will continue to provide verification opportunities for domestically made devices and components to support K-space challenges based on our technology."