On December 1, 2025, Arianespace successfully placed into orbit KOMPSAT-7 for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), with a Vega C rocket.
The KOMPSAT-7 (KOrea Multi-Purpose SATellite-7) mission is to provide high-resolution satellite images to satisfy South-Korea’s governmental and institutional needs.
As the launch service provider, Arianespace supports South Korea’s ambitious national space program.
On December 1st, 2025, at 2:21 p.m. local time (5:21 p.m. UTC, 6:21 p.m. CET), Arianespace successfully launched the KOMPSAT-7 (KOrea Multi-Purpose SATellite-7) satellite. The mission, called “VV28” was performed using an Arianespace operated Vega C rocket, launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
KOMPSAT-7 was placed in Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 576 km. Spacecraft separation took place 44 minutes after lift-off.
David Cavaillolès, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, declared: “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. We thank our South Korean partners for their continued trust and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.”
KOMPSAT-7’s mission is to provide high-resolution satellite images to satisfy South-Korea’s governmental and institutional needs. The satellite was developed by KARI at its facility in Daejeon, South Korea.
The VV28 launch at a glance:
357th launch by Arianespace, 6th Vega C launch
6th launch operated by Arianespace in 2025 (3 launches with Ariane 6 and 3 launches with Vega C)
10% of the satellites launched by Arianespace are Earth observation satellites
4th satellite by KARI launched by Arianespace
9th South Korean satellite placed into orbit by Arianespace