Hancom InSpace will launch South Korea's first private hyperspectral satellite, Sejong 3, on March 29 local time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the United States.

With the launch, Hancom InSpace plans to expand its satellite data business by securing hyperspectral observation capabilities within the observation system of its existing Sejong series.

Sejong 3 is a 6U-class nanosatellite (200 mm wide, 100 mm long and 340 mm high, weighing about 10.8 kg). It will carry a hyperspectral sensor to conduct Earth observation missions in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 500 to 600 km. Its core payload, a hyperspectral sensor, collects imaging data that can analyse the unique reflective characteristics of materials based on 442 wavelength bands.

Data obtained through hyperspectral observations have high value in agriculture and forestry. It can support precision agriculture by identifying crop growth conditions and stress factors and detecting the likelihood of disease outbreaks early. In forestry, it can enable more precise environmental management, including distinguishing tree species, monitoring forest damage and analysing wildfire risk areas.

After entering the NewSpace market by successfully launching Sejong 1, the country's first private commercial Earth observation satellite, in 2022, Hancom InSpace is strengthening its satellite observation system with Sejong 3 following Sejong 2 and Sejong 4. It plans to build a constellation operations system linked with existing satellites to shorten revisit cycles for specific areas and create a multi-dimensional fusion analysis environment combining wide-area observation information with ultra-precise data.

A Hancom InSpace official said Sejong 3 features next-generation hyperspectral observation technology that can precisely analyse material properties beyond simply imaging the ground. The official said the company will continue to strengthen its competitiveness in the global satellite services market by combining its capabilities to secure ultra-precise data with its own platform technology.