JAKARTA - South Korea plans to launch its fourth military reconnaissance satellite from the United States space base this week, the Defense Ministry said on Monday, as the country seeks to better monitor North Korea's threats through independent surveillance capabilities.
The military plans to launch a synthetic apertur radar satellite (SAR) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 8:48 p.m. Monday (US time), according to the ministry, reported The Korea Times April 21.
The launch will be part of South Korea's plans to launch five satellites by the end of this year, to increase surveillance of North Korea's military activities and help reduce dependence on the image of US satellites.
"If the fourth military reconnaissance satellite is successfully launched, it will make it possible to detect signs of North Korea's provocation more accurately and quickly," the ministry said in a release.
South Korea launched its first spy satellite in December 2023, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images. Last year, Ginseng Country launched two more satellites with SAR sensors collecting data regardless of weather conditions.
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Meanwhile, the fifth satellite, which will be equipped with a SAR sensor, is scheduled to launch later this year. After the five satellites are placed in orbit, the country is expected to be able to monitor North Korea every two hours.
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