Seoul: South Korea plans to retire Cheollian-1, the country's first geostationary multifunctional satellite, next year after 16 years of operation, the country's space agency said Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) announced that the decision was approved at a satellite operation committee meeting. This approval allows for the satellite to enter its disposal phase in April and reach its final shutdown around July.

Cheollian-1 was launched in June 2010 and developed and operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Its operation far exceeded its initial seven-year design life. During its time in orbit, Cheollian-1 carried out multiple missions, including experimental communications relay services, and meteorological and ocean monitoring.

The satellite also supported South Korea's first satellite broadcasting test services. This contribution was significant in laying the groundwork for advancing and commercializing domestic satellite communications technology.

The decommission process will adhere to international guidelines on responsible satellite disposal to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities, KASA stated.