South Korea's First Spy Satellite Operational, 4 More Planned

South Korea's first military reconnaissance satellite has been deemed combat-ready and will commence full-scale missions this month, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on Wednesday.

The Ministry of National Defense completed orbital tests and evaluations in June, following the satellite's launch from the U.S. Vandenberg Space Force Base in California last December.

Equipped with electro-optical imaging systems and infrared sensors, the satellite can capture high-quality images day and night, detecting surface temperatures and monitoring strategic targets. This technology plays a vital role in South Korea's "kill chain" surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The South Korean military plans to launch four additional spy satellites by next year, including ones featuring synthetic aperture radars. These satellites can collect fine-resolution images under any weather conditions, day or night. Upon deployment, the five-satellite constellation will enable the military to monitor North Korean nuclear and missile activities at approximately two-hour intervals.

The second spy satellite, launched in April, utilizes passive synthetic aperture radar technology. A third satellite is scheduled for launch in November, further bolstering South Korea's space-based surveillance capabilities.