Overview
- The Defense Ministry said the synthetic aperture radar satellite is scheduled to lift off around 1 a.m. Sunday U.S. time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Completion of the five-satellite cluster is intended to speed detection of signs of North Korean provocations and reinforce Seoul’s three-axis deterrence and kill chain posture.
- The 425 Project comprises one electro‑optical/infrared imaging satellite launched in December 2023 and four radar satellites placed in orbit across 2024 and 2025.
- Officials plan a follow-on buildout of 50 to 60 small and ultra‑small satellites later this decade to push revisit intervals toward about 30 minutes.
- North Korea placed its Malligyong‑1 satellite in orbit in November 2023 but has not conducted another successful military launch after a rocket failure in May 2024.