Cape Canaveral: South Korea plans to launch its fourth military reconnaissance satellite from a U.S. space base this week, the defense ministry said Monday, as the country seeks to better monitor North Korean threats with independent surveillance capabilities. The military plans to launch the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. on Monday (U.S. time), according to the ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the launch is part of South Korea's broader strategy to deploy a total of five satellites by the end of this year. This initiative aims to enhance the country's surveillance of North Korean military activities and reduce its dependence on U.S. satellite imagery. South Korea launched its first spy satellite in December 2023, which was equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images. In the following year, two more satellites were launched, featuring SAR sensors that can collect data irrespective of weather conditions.
The defense ministry emphasized that the successful launch of the fourth military reconnaissance satellite would significantly improve the nation's ability to detect signs of North Korean provocations with accuracy and speed. The fifth satellite, also equipped with SAR sensors, is expected to be launched later this year. Upon the deployment of all five satellites, South Korea anticipates having the capability to monitor North Korea every two hours.