South Korea successfully launched its second indigenous spy satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday. The reconnaissance satellite was sent into orbit approximately 45 minutes after the launch, aiming to better monitor North Korea.
Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, the satellite can capture data regardless of weather conditions. South Korea plans to acquire five spy satellites by 2025, with the other three also set to have SAR sensors. Analysts expect the five satellites, when operated together, to provide regular coverage at two-hour intervals.
The first satellite launched in December had electro-optical and infrared sensors for detailed Earth surface images. The South Korean defence ministry stated, “We will check whether the satellite normally operates through communication with overseas ground stations.” This is a significant step in enhancing South Korea’s satellite surveillance capabilities.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:17 a.m. (Seoul time) from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in a joint effort by South Korea and the United States. The successful launch marks a milestone in bolstering South Korea’s national security and technological advancement in space technology.
