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South Korea's Spy Satellite Triumph: How 5th Launch Boosts Defense Against North

South Korea has successfully launched its fifth and final military spy satellite into orbit. The satellite was carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This completes the country's plan to deploy five spy satellites by the end of this year for better monitoring of North Korea. The network will provide independent surveillance capabilities and reduce reliance on US satellite imagery.

Key Points: South Korea Fifth Military Spy Satellite Successfully Launched

  • Fifth military spy satellite launched from Florida using SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
  • Satellite successfully communicated with ground station after entering orbit
  • Complete five-satellite network enables monitoring North Korea every two hours
  • SAR technology provides all-weather surveillance capabilities regardless of conditions
2 min read

South Korea's 5th spy satellite successfully put into orbit

South Korea completes its five-satellite spy network, enabling independent monitoring of North Korea every two hours and strengthening military deterrence capabilities.

"The latest launch has completed the military's independent capabilities to monitor the Korean Peninsula around-the-clock - Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back"

Seoul, Nov 2

South Korea's fifth homegrown military spy satellite, launched from a US space base in Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, successfully entered orbit, the Defence Ministry said Sunday, in a move expected to bolster its independent surveillance capabilities.

The Falcon 9 lifted off at 1.09 a.m. (US time) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as planned and placed the reconnaissance satellite into orbit about 14 minutes after liftoff, according to the ministry.

The ministry later confirmed that the satellite succeeded in communicating with a ground station about an hour after takeoff, in an indication of the satellite's normal operation, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite is the fifth and final military satellite launched under the country's plan to deploy five spy satellites by the end of this year to better monitor North Korea and help reduce its reliance on US satellite imagery.

"With the latest launch, (the military) will be able to build independent capabilities to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance in all weather conditions across the Korean Peninsula by operating the satellites in a cluster," the ministry said in a notice.

The first three satellites have been fully deployed, while the fourth satellite is undergoing operational evaluation.

Once all five satellites are fully deployed, the country is expected to be able to monitor North Korea every two hours.

"The Defence Ministry and the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration anticipate the successful launch of the fifth military reconnaissance satellite ... will further strengthen the (military's) Kill Chain capabilities," the ministry said in a release, referring to one of the pillars of the country's three-pronged deterrence structure.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the latest launch has "completed" the military's independent capabilities to monitor the Korean Peninsula around-the-clock and pledged to further seek to advance its defence space capabilities.

South Korea launched its first spy satellite in December 2023, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images. It has since launched three more satellites equipped with SAR sensors that collect data regardless of weather conditions.

North Korea has also been ramping up efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities against its enemies.

The North successfully launched its first military spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, in November 2023 and had vowed to launch three more spy satellites in 2024.

But it has yet to launch another one since a rocket carrying a satellite exploded shortly following takeoff in May last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Monitoring North Korea every 2 hours is quite impressive. The Korean peninsula situation is getting more tense with both sides building surveillance capabilities. Hope our ISRO is watching and learning from these developments.
A
Arjun K
While this is good for South Korea's security, I worry about the space arms race developing. So many countries are launching military satellites now. The focus should be on peaceful uses of space technology.
S
Sarah B
The technology behind SAR satellites that work in all weather conditions is fascinating! India has similar capabilities with our RISAT series. Good to see other countries catching up, but we need to maintain our edge.
V
Vikram M
Interesting that they're still dependent on SpaceX for launches despite having their own capabilities. Shows how complex space technology is. India's self-reliance in launch vehicles is something we should be proud of! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The North-South Korea satellite race reminds me of our situation. Every country needs to protect its borders and have surveillance capabilities. This is basic national security in today's world.

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