The Rural Development Administration (Director Kwon Jae-han) held an opening ceremony for the Agricultural Satellite Center on October 31 and announced its full-fledged start as an organization dedicated to the production, management, and utilization of satellite image information for the next-generation medium-sized satellite No. 4 (CAS500-4, Agriculture and Forestry Satellite).
The Agricultural Satellite Center was established for the mission of ‘research on agricultural satellite operation and utilization of agricultural observation information.’ In the future, it will be responsible for operating and managing the ground station’s satellite operation system, processing, storing, managing and utilizing satellite information, and providing data services to the public.
In addition, it performs image information standardization, verification and correction, and converges domestic and foreign satellite observation data to continuously observe crop conditions such as the growth and cultivation area of major crops and changes in agricultural land use, so that the results can be used in policy and agricultural fields.
At the opening ceremony on this day, there was an opening speech by Rural Development Administration Director Kwon Jae-han followed by a congratulatory speech by Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Deputy Governor Kim Jong-hoon. In addition, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong, Chairman and Secretary of the Fishing Organization of the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee Rep. Jeong Hee-yong, and Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee Rep. Jeong Dong-young delivered their congratulations via video.
Attending this event were about 100 people, including heads of organizations under the Rural Development Administration, heads of Next-Generation Medium Satellite Council* organizations, heads of satellite centers of ministries, the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency, Korea Aerospace Administration, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea Rural Economic Institute, farmer groups, and academic experts. Guests were briefed on the establishment of the Agricultural Satellite Center and its research results, and toured its main facilities.
In the subsequent expert discussion, experts from the private sector and academia* participated to discuss the mid- to long-term use of agricultural satellites in the agricultural field, the development of analysis technology for utilizing satellite information, and ways to promote private-sector cooperation.
The Rural Development Administration submitted the demand for agricultural and forestry satellites at the beginning of planning for the next-generation medium-sized satellite development project in 2012, and has been promoting the satellite development project with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Forest Service since 2019, with development scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The agricultural and forestry satellite observes the Earth’s surface with an observation width of 120 km and a resolution of 5 m, and can capture images of the entire country in three days. It is a satellite optimized to periodically observe changes in vegetation or agricultural environments by producing continuous image information at short intervals. In addition, it is significant that the Agricultural Satellite Center can directly plan and manage the agricultural information needed in a timely manner.
The Agricultural Satellite Center is currently working on systematic satellite operation, management, and utilization. After the launch of the agricultural and forestry satellite in the second half of 2025, the goal is to begin public service in 2026 after going through an initial operation stage such as applying technology to improve the quality of image information produced by the satellite and inspecting output production and service.
To improve the quality of satellite images, we plan to expand the use of convergence with image and spatial information produced by other next-generation medium-sized satellites, such as land and water resources satellites. In particular, we plan to increase the policy usability and effectiveness of satellite information through the ‘Agricultural and Forestry Satellite Utilization Policy Consultative Body’, which is composed of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rural Development Administration, and the Korea Forest Service.
Rural Development Administration Director Kwon Jae-han said, “With the opening of the Agricultural Satellite Center, the satellite era has begun in the agricultural field. Agricultural observation through agricultural and forestry satellites accelerates the implementation of data-based precision agriculture, which is the core of smart agriculture, while at the same time stabilizing agricultural products. “It will play a key role in policy and agricultural decision-making, such as production and supply and demand control.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Rural Development Administration
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Kim Hoon, Expert in Agricultural Technology
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Kim! Thank you for joining us today. The recently opened Agricultural Satellite Center by the Rural Development Administration seems to be a significant advancement in agricultural technology. Can you elaborate on what this center aims to achieve?
Dr. Kim Hoon (DKH): Good morning! Thank you for having me. Yes, the Agricultural Satellite Center is primarily focused on optimizing how we use satellite imagery for agricultural purposes. Its mission includes managing the operation of next-generation satellites, particularly the CAS500-4, which will assist in monitoring and analyzing agricultural conditions across South Korea.
TNE: That’s fascinating! What specific benefits do you think farmers and policymakers can gain from utilizing this satellite data?
DKH: The potential benefits are immense. For farmers, having accurate and timely data on crop growth, cultivation areas, and changing agricultural land use can inform better decision-making. Policymakers can leverage this data to create more effective agricultural strategies, improve food security, and adapt to climate change impacts more proactively.
TNE: You mentioned that the center will be responsible for data processing and management. How does the center plan to standardize and verify the satellite imagery data?
DKH: The center will implement rigorous protocols for image standardization and correction. This involves integrating data from both domestic and international satellite sources to ensure consistency and accuracy. By doing this, they can provide reliable information on everything from crop health to environmental changes, which is crucial for effective agricultural management.
TNE: The opening ceremony included many dignitaries and experts. What role do you think collaboration among various stakeholders will play in the success of this initiative?
DKH: Collaboration is key. The integration of input from private sector players, academic institutions, and government bodies can drive innovation in analysis technology and utilization strategies. Such partnerships will help in driving forward the agricultural satellite agenda and ensuring that the technology is effectively translated into practical applications for farmers.
TNE: It sounds like this project has been a long time coming. What has been the timeline for the development of these agricultural satellites?
DKH: Indeed, it has been a lengthy process. The demand for agricultural satellites was established in 2012, and since then, the development has progressed with the collaboration of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Forest Service. The first of these satellites is expected to be operational by 2025, which will be a significant milestone for South Korea’s agricultural sector.
TNE: Once operational, how frequently will these satellites be able to provide farmers with updated data?
DKH: The CAS500-4 satellite has an observation capability allowing it to capture images of the entire country every three days. With a resolution of 5 meters and an observation width of 120 km, it is optimized for monitoring changes in vegetation and agricultural environments at regular intervals. This means farmers will have access to fresh data that can influence their practices in near real-time.
TNE: That’s impressive! As an expert, what do you believe are the next steps that need to be taken for this program to reach its full potential?
DKH: The next steps include ensuring robust training for farmers and stakeholders on how to interpret and make use of the satellite data effectively. Additionally, investing in analysis technology will allow for advancements in predictive modeling and actionable insights. Furthermore, creating strong communication channels for data dissemination will be critical.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking initiative. The Agricultural Satellite Center certainly holds promise for the future of agriculture in South Korea.
DKH: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for agricultural technology, and I look forward to seeing how this evolves in the coming years.