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4mo ago

South Korea Successfully Launches Fourth Military Spy Satellite

The satellite, part of a five-satellite plan, was launched from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 to enhance monitoring of North Korea.

In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, South Korea's second military spy satellite lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
South Korea's fourth military reconnaissance satellite lifts off at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, in this photo courtesy of SpaceX, provided by the defense ministry on April 22, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This screenshot, from the website of SpaceX, shows South Korea's fourth spy satellite awaiting liftoff at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 22, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • South Korea launched its fourth military spy satellite on April 21, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • The satellite is a synthetic aperture radar system designed to provide near-real-time surveillance capabilities.
  • This launch is part of South Korea's goal to deploy a network of five spy satellites by the end of 2025 to strengthen its independent monitoring of North Korea.
  • South Korea has already launched three military reconnaissance satellites since December 2023 under this program.
  • The satellite deployment aims to reduce South Korea's reliance on U.S. reconnaissance assets and bolster its 'Kill Chain' defense strategy.