*Seoul, Dec 2:* South Korea achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its inaugural military spy satellite from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
This marks a crucial advancement in South Korea’s efforts to establish space-based intelligence capabilities, particularly in response to escalating threats from North Korea, as reported by the Defence Ministry on Saturday.
The satellite’s launch on Friday is emblematic of a growing security rivalry between the two Koreas, especially in the realm of space-based technology. Last week, North Korea declared success in its own spy satellite launch, underscoring the intensifying competition.
The Defence Ministry confirmed that the South Korean satellite was placed in orbit around four minutes after liftoff at 10:19 a.m. It successfully established communication with a ground station at 11:37 a.m., indicating normal operation. South Korea’s space strategy involves deploying four more synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites by 2025, following the launch of this electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) satellite.
This initiative aims to enhance surveillance capabilities, particularly regarding North Korea. The recent developments are expected to contribute to a space arms race between the two Koreas. North Korea, having launched its first spy satellite on November 21, has vowed to conduct more launches in a short period, emphasizing the geopolitical tension in the region.
