South Korea successfully launches second spy satellite

According to the South Korean Ministry of Defense , the country successfully launched a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit on the morning of April 8 (Korean time).

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying South Korea's first spy satellite launched from California, USA, December 2023.

The satellite was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, at 7:17 p.m. on April 7 (local time), or 8:17 a.m. on April 8 (Seoul time). The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket safely put the spy satellite into orbit after about 45 minutes.

"We will check whether the satellite is operating normally through communication with ground stations overseas," the South Korean Defense Ministry said.

This is the second military satellite launched under South Korea's plan to have five spy satellites by 2025 to enhance its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities more effectively over military activities.

The satellite has been equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor to collect microwave data and is capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions. The remaining three satellites will also be equipped with SAR sensors.

South Korea's first spy satellite - equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors to capture detailed images of the Earth's surface - was launched into orbit in December last year.

When operating together, the five satellites are expected to provide regular coverage for about two hours at a time, according to analysts.

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