South Korea launched its newest spy satellite Sunday night from Florida, marking the final step in a plan to place five domestic reconnaissance satellites by the end of the year. The launch took place at about 1 a.m. U.S. time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The satellite carries a synthetic‑aperture radar (SAR) system that can image the ground even when it’s cloudy or at night. When all five satellites are orbiting, the country will be able to survey North Korea every two hours, officials said. That faster, more accurate picture is part of South Korea’s effort to cut its dependence on U.S. satellite data and strengthen its deterrence against potential provocations from the North.
South Korea’s first spy satellite was launched in December 2023, equipped with electro‑optical and infrared sensors. Since then, the government has added three SAR‑equipped satellites. These vehicles can read radar reflections from the Earth’s surface, enabling clear images regardless of weather conditions.
The launch was carried out from an American launch site as part of a partnership that helps South Korea gain independence in its intelligence gathering. The new system will feed data directly to the military’s three‑axis deterrence structure, giving commanders better situational awareness.
North Korea has also been building its own space‑based intelligence assets. In November 2023 the regime launched its first military spy satellite, the Malligyong‑1, and announced a plan to field three more in 2024. A launch failure in May last year when a launch vehicle exploded prevented the first of the scheduled new satellites from reaching orbit.
For South Korea, each new SAR satellite brings a clearer, more reliable view of North Korea’s military activities. The ability to scan the peninsula every two hours gives analysts more time to spot changes, build early warning alerts, and respond quickly. It also signals that Seoul is committed to maintaining its own high‑tech reconnaissance capabilities.
In short, the Friday night launch from Cape Canaveral represents a milestone for South Korea’s growing satellite program, expanding its surveillance reach and reinforcing its readiness against possible attacks from across the Gulf of Korea.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
