Korea's first ultra-small constellation satellite 'Mission BTS,' named after the global superstars set to launch in April 2024

Korea's first mass-produced ultra-small constellation satellite, No. 1, is reportedly named after K-pop sensation BTS; the mission is "Beginning Of The Swarm." On April 22, According to South Korean media agency KBS News, Rocket Lab USA, who is in charge of this mission, confirmed the launch of the satellite through their official Instagram page.

The mission's name has garnered attention on the internet, given the enormous popularity of the K-pop boy group. As per the satellite model’s image shared by Rocket Lab, "Beginning Of The Swarm," inspired by BTS, is written at the bottom while South Korea's national flag is in the center.

The model carrying the first micro-swarm satellite has undergone the launch rehearsal and is all geared up for the reported space launch on April 24, 2024. The launch is scheduled from 10 am to 11 am (from 7 am to 8 am Korean Standard Time) at the Mahia Rocket Lab launch site in New Zealand.

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More about Korea's first ultra-small constellation satellite "Beginning Of The Swarm" named after BTS

BTS is widely popular for releasing music based on the space and galaxy concept, including 134340, Mikrokosmos, My Universe with Coldplay, and the eldest member Jin's' The Astronaut and Moon.

The name of the mission BTS, which is an abbreviation for the beginning of the swarm, has a special meaning as the Micro-Swarm Satellite No. 1 is a test, and 11 more satellites will reportedly be launched later. This launch hinted at the meaning of the beginning of the constellation.

According to KBS news, Rocket Lab reportedly said:

"It is an Earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical camera designed to monitor natural disasters on the Korean Peninsula by combining imaging and artificial intelligence (AI)."

As per Chosun Biz, KAIST also reportedly spoke about the features of the satellite.

"The Korean Peninsula area can be photographed at least three times a day, and the same spot will be photographed again within 24 hours. Because it is capable of filming, it can overcome the limitations of existing medium-to-large single Earth observation satellites," they said.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, they will confirm the final success of the launch through satellite communication at about 11:32 am KST, 4 hours and 24 minutes after launch.

The model featured the names of the institutions that developed the satellite, including the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Satellite Research Institute and NeonSat, Satrec I (SI), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) also joined other institutes.

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Three songs by BTS on NASA’s 2024 Voyage Moon Tunes playlist

Previously, in January 2024, BTS was all over social media as NASA picked three of its space-themed songs to be played in space. NASA picked three songs by the septet to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11. The 2024 Voyage Moon Tunes playlist included tracks like Mikrokosmos from Map of the Soul: Persona and 134340 from Love Yourself: Tear.

Furthermore, the leader, RM, added his track Moonchild and his songs with the group to the playlist for the three-day-long journey. RM created history with the moment as the first Korean solo artist to have a song added to NASA's Moon Tune playlist.

Currently, all seven members of BTS, including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, are serving in the military. Meanwhile, Jin will be the first among the members to be discharged from his duties before the group's 11th debut anniversary in June 2024.