South Korea successfully launched its third military reconnaissance satellite from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the defense ministry announced. The satellite was launched at 8:34 p.m. (Korean time) and entered orbit at 9:24 p.m., later establishing communication with a ground station at 11:30 p.m., confirming normal operation.

This launch is part of South Korea’s plan to deploy five spy satellites by 2025 to establish an independent military satellite network for monitoring North Korea. The ministry stated that the successful launch enhances the ability to identify North Korean provocations more accurately and swiftly.

The first satellite, launched in December last year, was equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, while the second and third satellites feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors capable of capturing data regardless of weather conditions. The remaining two satellites will also use SAR sensors. Once all five satellites are operational, South Korea’s military will be able to monitor specific targets in North Korea every two hours.

Meanwhile, North Korea has been advancing its own space-based reconnaissance efforts. It successfully launched its first military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, in November 2023 but has faced setbacks with subsequent launches.

* Article source : https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10020853