S. Korea Launches 5th Military Spy Satellite

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense announced the successful launch of its fifth and final domestically developed military reconnaissance satellite, marking a major step forward in the country’s space-based intelligence capabilities.

The satellite made successful contact with a ground station shortly after entering orbit, confirming its proper operation.

According to the ministry, the fifth satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:09 a.m. U.S. time on Sunday, as scheduled. It reached orbit approximately 14 minutes after lift-off and established communication with the ground station an hour later, at 2:09 a.m.

This launch concludes South Korea’s plan to deploy five reconnaissance satellites by the end of this year, aimed at enhancing surveillance of North Korea and reducing reliance on U.S. satellite imagery.

In an earlier statement, the Defense Ministry noted that operating five reconnaissance satellites as a constellation will allow the country to detect signs of North Korean provocations more quickly and accurately. The satellites are also expected to strengthen South Korea’s three-axis defense system, which includes pre-emptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, once all five satellites are fully operational in orbit, South Korea will be able to monitor North Korean territory every two hours.

The country launched its first spy satellite in December 2023, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed imagery. Since then, three additional satellites fitted with synthetic aperture radar sensors have been deployed, providing consistent data collection regardless of weather conditions.

Meanwhile, North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite, Malligyong-1, in November 2023 and vowed to send three more into space in 2024. However, no further launches have occurred since a rocket carrying one of its satellites exploded shortly after takeoff in May last year.