South Korea launches spy satellite into orbit.

According to the South Korean Ministry of Defense , the satellite lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the John F. Kennedy Space Center at 7:17 PM on April 7th (local time, or the morning of April 8th in Vietnam). The process of placing the satellite into orbit took approximately 45 minutes after launch.

"We will verify whether the satellite is functioning properly through communication with ground stations overseas," according to the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

This is the second military satellite launched as part of South Korea's plan to possess five reconnaissance satellites by 2025 and better monitor North Korea.

South Korea's second domestically produced military surveillance satellite, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on April 7, 2024.

SCREENSHOT FROM YONHAP

According to Yonhap on April 8, this satellite is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor to collect data using microwaves and is capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions. The remaining three satellites are also expected to be equipped with SAR sensors.

Photoelectric and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images of the Earth's surface have been installed on the first satellite launched into orbit from a US Space Force base in California by a SpaceX rocket in December 2023.

According to analysts, when operating together, the five satellites are expected to provide continuous coverage and monitoring for approximately two hours.

In addition to the five satellites, South Korean defense agencies are reportedly working to acquire around 50-60 small and ultra-small reconnaissance satellites by 2030, which are expected to provide coverage and data on the situation on the Korean Peninsula at intervals of approximately 30 minutes.

South Korea's latest spy satellite launch comes amid North Korea's efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities. North Korea announced the successful launch of its first military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, last November and also stated it would launch three more this year.

Last week, the South Korean military said it was monitoring North Korea's satellite launch preparations at the Tongchang-ri launch site (in northern North Korea), but had not detected any signs that a launch was imminent.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/han-quoc-phong-ve-tinh-do-tham-len-quy-dao-185240408083725462.htm