Rendering of the GEO-KOMPSAT-5 satellite. Photo: LIG Nex1

South Korean aerospace manufacturer LIG Nex1 has selected L3Harris Technologies to provide the imaging payload for the GEO-KOMPSAT-5 weather satellite. 

L3Harris will provide its new 18-channel L3Harris GEO-KOMPSAT Meteorological Imager payload, which includes two channels for improved water vapor measurement and enhanced resolution.

The GEO-KOMPSAT-5 satellite is designed to provide the Korea Meteorological Administration with improved accuracy and timely weather forecasts. The Korean Meteorological Administration awarded LIG Next1 the contract in April of 2025. According to LIG Nex1, the development of the satellite system and main body is set to be completed by 2031.

L3Harris has previously supported Korea’s weather satellite capabilities by supplying the imaging payload for KMA’s current geostationary weather satellite, GEO-KOMPSAT-2A, and supporting the meteorological imager aboard its predecessor, the Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite.

“L3Harris is committed to providing on-orbit technology that advances global weather capabilities, including the enhanced tracking and characterization of tropical cyclones, extreme precipitation events and wildfires,” commented Jeff Hanke, president  of Space Systems, Space and Mission Systems for L3Harris. “Detecting potentially severe storms earlier and tracking them in greater detail will significantly enhance the safety and well-being of communities.”