S. Korea successfully launches fourth reconnaissance satellite from space base in U.S.

South Korea successfully sent its fourth spy satellite into space earlier on this Tuesday morning Korea Time.

Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung covers this latest launch.

"Three, two, one. Ignition, engines full power, and lift off. Go Falcon, go Bandwagon-3."

South Korea's fourth military reconnaissance satellite aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was launched from a U.S. space base Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, at 8:48 PM Monday local time, 9:48 AM Tuesday Korea time.

15 minutes after liftoff, the reconnaissance satellite was placed into orbit and it successfully communicated with the ground station at 12:27 PM Korea time, indicating the satellite's normal operation.

"The fourth spy satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, successfully separated from the launch vehicle, entered its orbit, and successfully communicated with a domestic ground station, confirming that the satellite is in good working order."

The satellite launched this time was the third synthetic aperture radar satellite, part of South Korea's plan to deploy five reconnaissance satellites by the end of this year under the "425 Project."

Aiming to enhance surveillance of North Korean military activities,

South Korea launched its first reconnaissance satellite in December 2023, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images.

Two satellites with SAR sensors, which enable the collection of data regardless of weather conditions, were launched last year, in April and December.

South Korean military is aiming to send the last one within this year,

and once completed, Seoul will be able to monitor North Korea at two-hour intervals.

The country is to deploy dozens of ultra-small satellites by the early 2030s, which is expected to further reduce that interval.

"Our surveillance over North Korea would be much strengthened, and after launching ultra-small satellites as well, this will mark a very important step toward self-reliant national defense, as it will significantly reduce our dependence on the U.S. for intelligence capabilities."

While bolstering the core assets that form the foundation of Korea's three-axis defense system, South Korea is aiming to pave the way to emerge as a strong space power in national defense.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.