South Korea Bolsters Space Surveillance with Fourth Military Satellite Launch

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed on Tuesday that the nation’s fourth military reconnaissance satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the United States at 9:48 a.m. local time (8:48 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, April 21).

Riding aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite detached from the launch vehicle approximately 15 minutes after liftoff and entered its planned orbit. Roughly 56 minutes later, it established a stable communication link with ground control, confirming that it was functioning properly.

The satellite, equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), is now undergoing orbital testing to verify performance. It will later enter active service after operational testing by the South Korean military. The radar system allows the satellite to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

The Ministry of National Defense and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said the new satellite will expand the country’s autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. It will also support South Korea’s three-axis defense system by strengthening preemptive strike options under the so-called “kill chain” strategy.

“With the successful launch of the 4th military reconnaissance satellite, our military has secured additional independent surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities,” the Ministry stated, adding that this will enhance the ability to detect early signs of North Korean provocations.

The satellite is part of a broader satellite constellation project, operating in tandem with satellites No. 1 to 3. According to officials, this swarm deployment shortens the revisit cycle over targeted areas, improving monitoring accuracy and response time.

Developed through collaboration between the ADD and domestic companies under DAPA’s oversight, the satellite also contributes to South Korea’s growing aerospace expertise. Officials emphasized the importance of building technological self-reliance in space systems as part of a broader response to evolving security dynamics.

Seok Jong-geon, director of DAPA’s launch management unit, said the launch marks a key step toward South Korea’s goal of becoming a space-capable defense force.

South Korea aims for full satellite deployment by year-end

“We plan to launch all military reconnaissance satellites by the end of this year,” he said. “In the future, we will also launch ultra-small satellites under development to further establish our space power.”

He also stressed that efforts are underway to build a domestic ground launch facility and develop homegrown launch vehicles to strengthen sovereign space capabilities.