May 31, 2023 – Arianespace announced the signature of a launch contract for the Earth observation satellite Kompsat-6 that will be delivered to orbit by the European light launcher Vega C. Kompsat-6 will be launched from Europe’s Spaceport, in French Guiana, as early as December 2024. Kompsat-6 is the second SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging satellite developed by KARI. It will replace its predecessor, Kompsat-5, while deploying improved imaging radar performance. This Earth observation satellite will carry two payloads, the SAR instrument (X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar) and the S-AIS (Satellite-Automatic Identification System). SAR payload is a high-resolution all-weather imager, which has applications in mapping, GIS, environment and disaster monitoring as well as management of oceans and land. The S-AIS payload is a maritime wireless system used to identify position, heading, destination and cargo of larger vessels with the main purpose of collision prevention between larger vessels and with additional applications in maritime traffic management. This new contract demonstrates the versatility and competitiveness of the new European light launcher Vega C.