The BRICS TimesSeoul completes its independent defense network with the successful orbit of the fifth homegrown military reconnaissance satellite.
The Successful Launch
South Korea’s fifth spy satellite successfully entered orbit. It was launched Sunday from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This homegrown military asset will boost Seoul’s independent surveillance skills. This information was reported by Yonhap, citing the defense ministry.
The Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 1:09 a.m. (U.S. time). It placed the reconnaissance satellite into its orbit just 14 minutes later. The ministry later confirmed successful communication with a ground station. This confirmed the satellite’s normal operation about an hour after liftoff.
Boosting Independent Capability
The SAR satellite is the fifth and last planned military satellite. Its deployment completes a project to launch five spy satellites this year. The goal is to better watch North Korea and rely less on U.S. satellite images.
The ministry stated, “The military will now build independent capabilities. This includes surveillance and reconnaissance in all weather across the Korean Peninsula.” The satellites will now operate as a cluster. Three previous satellites are fully active. The fourth satellite is currently undergoing operational evaluation. Once all five are working, the country can monitor North Korea every two hours.
Sharpening Defense and The Rivalry
The defense ministry expects this successful launch to “further strengthen the (military’s) Kill Chain capabilities.” This “Kill Chain” is a key part of South Korea’s three-pronged deterrence structure. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back noted the launch has “completed” the military’s 24-hour independent monitoring ability. He also promised to further advance its defense space technology.
South Korea’s first spy satellite launched in December 2023. It had electro-optical and infrared sensors for detailed images. The three subsequent satellites use SAR sensors for all-weather data collection. Meanwhile, North Korea is also aggressively pursuing space-based reconnaissance.
North Korea successfully launched its first military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, in November 2023. It had vowed three more launches in 2024. However, it has not launched another one since a rocket exploded last May.
