South Korea’s spy satellite program advanced significantly on Tuesday with the successful launch of its fourth reconnaissance satellite. The launch took place at 9:48 a.m. local time from Cape Canaveral in Florida, using a Falcon 9 rocket operated by SpaceX. About 15 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered its intended orbit. Communication with the ground station was established 56 minutes later, confirming that the satellite was functioning normally.
Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, the new satellite can capture high-resolution images by sending radio waves to the ground and recording the reflections. Unlike optical systems, SAR operates effectively regardless of weather conditions, cloud cover, or time of day. This technology enables continuous surveillance, which is especially useful for monitoring North Korea.
After entering orbit, the satellite will undergo space-based performance testing led by the Agency for Defense Development. Once that phase is complete, South Korea’s military will carry out operational testing. If all systems perform as expected, the satellite will begin its official reconnaissance missions. This marks another step forward in South Korea’s spy satellite program, which now consists of a growing cluster of SAR units aimed at improving real-time surveillance.
The goal of South Korea’s spy satellite program is to complete a five-satellite network by 2025. This constellation will include one electro-optical/infrared satellite and four SAR satellites. Once fully operational, the system will monitor critical North Korean sites with a revisit interval of just two hours. Defense officials believe this capability will greatly improve response times to sudden provocations or threats from the North.
According to the Defense Ministry, the satellite was developed through strong collaboration between national defense agencies and local tech firms. Officials noted that this success not only strengthens military readiness but also boosts South Korea’s independent space development capabilities. “This launch shows our ability to act quickly against threats while building a strong satellite development legacy,” the ministry stated.
South Korea’s spy satellite program continues to reflect the nation’s long-term focus on self-reliant security. By reducing its dependence on foreign intelligence and strengthening its space-based surveillance, South Korea moves closer to strategic autonomy. The fifth and final satellite in the program is expected to launch next year, completing the full network and solidifying the country’s ability to monitor key regions without interruption.
