 "South Korea launches 2nd spy satellite with SpaceX's help amid brewing tensions with North")
Amid brewing tensions in the Korean peninsula, South Korea launched its second military spy satellite into space. According to the country’s defence ministry, the indigenous spy satellite was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday.
The launch came just days after North Korea reaffirmed its plan to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year. Both Koreas launched their first spy satellites last year – North Korea launched it in November and South Korea in December.
The two nations have maintained that these spy satellites would boost their abilities to monitor each other and enhance their missile attack capabilities.
According to the statement released by the defence ministry, the Falcon 9 lifted off at 8:17 am (local time). The spacecraft sent the reconnaissance satellite into orbit approximately 45 minutes after the launch.
The ministry went on to state that the satellite succeeded in communicating with an overseas ground station at 10:57 am, Yonhap reported. Seoul plans to launch five such spy satellites by 2025, which will help the country monitor its neighbours.
About the satellite
The satellite which was launched on Monday was equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors that capture data using microwaves. SAR sensors are also capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions.
The ministry mentioned that the other three satellites will also be equipped with SAR sensors.
“Our military’s independent surveillance and reconnaissance capability has been strengthened through the first launch of the SAR satellite. We will continue to prepare for upcoming satellite launches,” the ministry said in a statement, Yonhap reported.
Impact Shorts
View AllWhen all five spy satellites are in space and start to operate together, they are expected to provide regular coverage of what’s happening in the north at two-hour intervals.
North Korea ramps up its mission
While North Korea placed its first military spy satellite into orbit last November, the hermit nation has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated that North Korea is likely to launch its second satellite this month after making certain enhancements to its performance.
“We have been closely watching the possibility of North Korea’s satellite launch in March, but it appears to be making some additional improvements,” Shin told local reporters after watching Space X’s live stream at the defence ministry, Yonhap reported.
“If the current technical enhancements are made smoothly without significant difficulties, the launch could take place around mid-April. If such enhancements take more time, the launch could take place in late April,” he added.
It is important to note that the United Nations bans North Korea from conducting satellite launches and considers them as disguised tests of its long-range missile technology.
In recent years, North Korea has been engaged in a provocative run of missile tests to modernise and expand its weapons arsenals. The frequent tests of cruise and ballistic missiles have become a matter of concern for both South Korea and the United States.
With inputs from agencies.
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