Operational Results of GK-2A AMI Special Observations

KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute) is responsible for operating three geostationary satellites, including the GK-2A (Geo-KOMPSAT-2A), and plays a key role in ensuring the stable operation of these satellites. The institute contributes to the continuous acquisition of satellite imagery data, providing around-the-clock support for satellite operations and monitoring. GK-2A was launched on July 5, 2018, from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. It is part of Korea's next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite program, designed to enhance weather forecasting capabilities. This satellite is equipped with advanced payloads, including the Advanced Meteorological Imager (AMI) and the Korea Space Environment Monitor (KSEM). The AMI is dedicated to observing atmospheric conditions in real time, providing high-resolution imagery for weather analysis and forecasting, while the KSEM is tasked with monitoring space weather phenomena, such as solar radiation and geomagnetic storms, which can impact satellite operations and communication systems. The AMI operates across multiple spectral bands, enabling detailed observations of clouds, precipitation, and other atmospheric phenomena. It covers a wide area, including the East Asia region, with a temporal resolution that allows for frequent imaging of the Earth’s atmosphere. One of the AMI observation modes, Local Area (LA), typically covers the Korean Peninsula. However, in the case of special observations, the AMI can perform LA observations, where it is capable of imaging any region within its Field of View (FOV), beyond the standard observation area. This flexibility enhances its capacity for targeted monitoring, making it particularly useful for high-priority events, localized weather phenomena and global disasters requiring rapid observations.
This paper presents an overview of the operational results since the launch of the GK-2A, with a particular focus on special observations conducted using the AMI. The results from the special observation operations during the normal operational period of GK-2A are expected to provide insights into the future direction for the development of special observation operations using the AMI.