At 9:48 a.m., the Falcon 9 was successfully launched, entering orbit at 10:03 a.m. after separation from the rocket. Communication with the ground station will confirm operational status shortly.
On the 22nd, South Korea’s reconnaissance satellite number 4, launched from Florida, successfully reached its target orbit. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:48 a.m. (8:48 p.m. local time on the 21st). By 10:03 a.m., the satellite had successfully separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The Ministry of Defense stated they will confirm the satellite’s normal operation through communication with the ground station.
Reconnaissance satellite 4 employs the same Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) as satellites 2 and 3, creating images by synthesizing reflected signal data. Its advantages include operation in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night, although it is susceptible to radio interference and requires expert analysis. It passes over the Korean Peninsula 4 to 6 times daily. Satellites 2 and 3 were launched in April and December of last year, respectively, and are currently undergoing testing.
Satellite 1, launched in December 2023, utilizes electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) imaging equipment. EO captures images in daytime, while IR, based on temperature differences, captures images at night, though cloud coverage can limit its use. Satellite 1 completed testing in August last year and currently crosses the Korean Peninsula twice a day to perform its mission.
The military plans to compare images transmitted from satellites 1, 2, 3, and 4 to enhance analysis accuracy. Multiple satellites conducting the same mission increase the variety of observation angles and the amount of gathered information, also allowing rapid response if a satellite malfunctions.
The military, along with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, plans to launch a fifth satellite equipped with SAR by the end of this year as part of the “425 Project.” When operational, these 5 satellites will enable surveillance of specific targets in North Korea every two hours.
Additionally, a project is underway to develop and deploy 32 miniature satellites weighing around 100 kg each. Once deployed, these small satellites will provide surveillance and reconnaissance over North Korea every 30 minutes.