SEOUL, South Korea: South Korea has revealed its intention to launch two military spy satellites this year, signalling an escalation in the space race between the two Koreas.
The Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites are scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in April and November.
The move follows South Korea’s recent launch of an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) satellite in December.
The country aims to deploy four more SAR satellites by 2025, enhancing its space-based intelligence capabilities in response to North Korea’s growing missile and nuclear threats. EO/IR satellites provide detailed images but are hindered by dense clouds, whereas SAR satellites can gather data regardless of weather conditions.
DAPA highlighted that when both satellite systems operate together, they will enable the immediate detection of early warning signs related to potential nuclear or missile attacks by North Korea.
This announcement comes shortly after North Korea declared its plans to launch three more spy satellites in 2024. In November, North Korea successfully placed its first spy satellite into orbit, claiming to have captured images of significant South Korean and U.S. military sites after two previous failed attempts.
