South Korea To launch Second Spy Satellite Next Month

South Korea intends to launch its second military satellite in early April as part of a project aimed at deploying five satellites for enhanced monitoring of North Korea.

Last December, South Korea deployed its first surveillance satellite using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from a U.S. military facility in California. The second satellite is scheduled for launch from a U.S. military base in Florida, marking progress toward acquiring five spy satellites by 2025.

Jeon Ha-kyu, a spokesperson for the ministry, mentioned in a press briefing that final discussions with the satellite's contractors for the launch are ongoing, with an anticipated launch date in early April, although no specific date was disclosed.

While the first satellite was furnished with electro-optical and infrared sensors for detailed Earth surface imaging, the upcoming satellites will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar systems, enabling data collection irrespective of weather conditions through remote sensing technology.

Meanwhile, North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in November, with intentions to launch three additional ones this year, as disclosed by Defense Minister Shin Won-sik last week, indicating preparations for a potential second satellite launch possibly by late March.