Arianespace’s Vega C launch for KOMPSAT-7 on Dec. 1. Photo: Arianespace

Arianespace launched the KOMPSAT-7 Korean Earth Observation satellite on Monday in a Vega C mission from French Guiana. This was Arianespace’s sixth mission of 2025 overall, and the third Vega C mission of this year. 

The launch took place from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on Dec. 1, taking off at 2:21 p.m. local time. The satellite was deployed to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) 44 minutes after lift-off.

“By launching the KOMPSAT-7 satellite, set to significantly enhance South Korea’s Earth Observation capabilities, Arianespace is proud to support an ambitious national space program. This mission marks the fourth satellite Arianespace has launched for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute,” Arianespace CEO David Cavaillolès commented. 

KOMPSAT-7 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KARI). The satellite’s mass is 2,000 kg and its payload is an electro-optical/infrared camera. It is one of the world’s most advanced ultra-high-resolution optical satellites. It is also equipped with optical data transmission technology, marking a first for a Korean satellite. KOMPSAT-7 will provide high resolution imaging for South Korea’s national needs. 

The launch contract for this mission was signed in 2018. At the time, the satellite was expected to launch in late 2021.