South Korea has taken a massive step in its military surveillance capabilities, launching its second spy satellite into space. This move comes amidst heightened tensions with North Korea, which has also reaffirmed its plan to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year.
South Korea has confirmed the successful launch and orbit entry of its second military spy satellite. This event marks a significant milestone in the country’s military prowess, especially when considering the ongoing animosities with North Korea.
The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Defense Ministry has confirmed that the satellite has communicated with an overseas ground station after separating from the rocket.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jeon Ha Gyu, highlighted the success of the launch as a significant boost in the country’s ‘kill chain’ capability, which refers to the military’s preemptive missile strike capability.
South Korea’s first and second spy satellites were part of a contract with SpaceX. The contract stipulates the launch of five spy satellites by 2025. The first launch, which took place in December last year, was from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.
In 2022, South Korea established itself as the 10th nation worldwide to successfully launch a satellite using its homegrown rocket technology. However, experts suggest that it is more economical to use a SpaceX rocket for launching spy satellites.
The launch of spy satellites by both Koreas last year was amidst escalating tensions. Both countries stated that their satellites would enhance their ability to monitor each other and boost their missile attack capabilities.
North Korea launched its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, in November 2023 after two previous failed attempts. It has since claimed that the satellite has transmitted images of key sites in the U.S. and South Korea, including the White House and the Pentagon.
However, international experts remain skeptical about the military significance of the images that North Korea claims to have captured.
Pak Kyong Su, the vice general director of North Korea’s National Aerospace Technology Administration, has stated that North Korea plans to launch several more reconnaissance satellites this year. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has vowed to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
In response to North Korea’s plans, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik believes that North Korea is likely to proceed with its second spy satellite launch soon. This event is expected to coincide with the April 15 birthday celebration of state founder Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un’s late grandfather.
However, Shin also acknowledges that technical reasons could delay the launch.
The United Nations prohibits North Korea from conducting a satellite launch, viewing it as a disguised test of its long-range missile technology. The launch of North Korea’s satellite in November deepened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, leading to violations of the 2018 agreement to reduce military tensions by both Koreas.
In recent years, North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests to modernize and expand its weapons arsenal. These actions have prompted the U.S. and South Korea to intensify their military drills in response.
