South Korean agencies to combine Cheollian-2 satellite data for climate work in Busan
In short
Four South Korean agencies will hold the 8th Cheollian-2 convergence-use conference in Busan on 21-22 October, they said on 20 October. The meeting will look at combining ocean, environmental and weather satellite data to respond to climate change, and at plans for follow-on geostationary satellites.
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South Korea's Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (국립해양조사원) said on 20 October that it will hold the 2026 8th Cheollian-2 (천리안위성 2호) convergence-use conference on 21-22 October at the Paradise Hotel in Busan, together with the National Institute of Environmental Research, the National Meteorological Satellite Center and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). Asia Economy and a separate Newsis report said KIOST and the National Institute of Environmental Research respectively also announced the event on 20 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Yonhap said the meeting is meant to seek efficient use of Cheollian-2A, described as the weather satellite, and Cheollian-2B, described as the ocean and environment satellite. Experts from the Korea AeroSpace Administration, Pusan National University and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology are also taking part. Newsis said about 100 experts in satellite and remote sensing are expected. [ 3 , 4 ]
According to Newsis, the programme has three parts. The first presents research on improving the quality of Cheollian-2 observations and on combining environmental and ocean satellite data, including cases of AI and deep-learning correction and resolution enhancement. In the second, the Korea AeroSpace Administration and the three agencies present development status and use strategies for follow-on geostationary environment, ocean and weather satellites. The third is an expert discussion on the effect of combining satellite data, climate response and activating the private space industry. [ 2 , 4 ]
Newsis reported that on 22 October the participating agencies will hold a separate council meeting to discuss cooperation tied to the development of Cheollian-5 and 6, covering production of key climate variables, precise correction of satellite data and real-time information exchange. The National Institute of Environmental Research said working-level meetings on data exchange, convergence use and calibration and validation would be held on the second day. [ 2 , 4 ]
The head of the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, Jang Myo-in (장묘인), was quoted by Newsis as saying the agencies would strengthen technical cooperation to raise their ability to respond to the climate crisis and to monitor marine hazards and disasters. The head of the National Institute of Environmental Research, Kim Young-woo (김영우), said that using environmental, ocean and weather satellite data together gives a fuller understanding of climate and environmental change, and that the institute would refine AI-based convergence technology. [ 2 , 4 ]
The four agencies formed a council on using Cheollian-2 in 2020. Yonhap said they have held a conference every year to share research and use results. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The documents present the event as cooperation among government bodies on using existing satellite data and planning successor satellites. They give no figures or decisions, so its practical effect is not yet known.
Key facts
- The Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (국립해양조사원), the National Institute of Environmental Research, the National Meteorological Satellite Center and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) are jointly holding the 8th Cheollian-2 (천리안위성 2호) convergence-use conference in Busan. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The conference runs on 21-22 October at the Paradise Hotel in Busan, according to Yonhap. [ 3 ]
- Cheollian-2A is described as the weather satellite and Cheollian-2B as the ocean and environment satellite. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Topics include AI and deep-learning methods for correcting satellite data and raising its resolution. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The Korea AeroSpace Administration and the three satellite agencies are to present development status and use strategies for follow-on geostationary environment, ocean and weather satellites. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Newsis reported that about 100 experts are expected to attend, including people from the Korea AeroSpace Administration, Pusan National University and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology. [ 4 ]
- The four agencies formed a council in 2020 to widen the use of Cheollian-2. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The conference is organised jointly by the four agencies and takes place in Busan from 21 October, announced on 20 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The four agencies have worked together through a council formed in 2020. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The agenda covers combining ocean, environment and weather satellite data, AI-based correction and higher resolution of satellite data, and development of follow-on geostationary satellites. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- What results or agreements the conference and the following meetings will produce. The documents only describe the planned agenda; no outcomes are reported.
- How many people will attend. Only Newsis gives a figure (about 100 experts); the other documents do not.