South Korea achieved a milestone with the successful launch of its first spy satellite via SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. This achievement comes in the wake of a similar move by North Korea just days earlier.

The launch saw the satellite positioned into orbit approximately an hour after liftoff. It is noteworthy that SpaceX interrupted their livestream post-stage separation as per the request of the mission's stakeholders, providing no further views of the rocket's second stage.

South Korea's defence ministry issued an update saying it had "successfully established communication with an overseas ground station". "With this successful launch of the military satellite, our military has secured independent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," the ministry said.

The satellite's advanced capabilities, including infrared and electro-optical functionalities, are anticipated to provide South Korea with a substantial advantage in its competition with North Korea. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, the 425 Project EO/IR satellite, weighing 800 kg, achieved a successful orbiting status.

The first of five satellites scheduled for launch by SpaceX under a broader contract, reinforcing South Korea's commitment to enhancing its space capabilities. Future satellites in the project are expected to incorporate synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling them to operate effectively in challenging conditions such as cloud cover and night time.

Seoul's previous reliance on its American allies for satellite reconnaissance faced limitations in certain scenarios, prompting the decision to develop an indigenous spy satellite. The move was particularly prompted by North Korea's announcement in November, asserting the successful placement of its "Malligyong-1" spy satellite in orbit.

Following the satellite's launch, North Korea claimed that its leader, Kim Jong Un, had examined spy satellite images of strategic locations, including Seoul, the White House, the Pentagon, and U.S. aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk. This development marked a notable shift in Pyongyang's stance, with Kim Jong Un urging military preparedness against perceived provocations from South Korea and the U.S. during a recent address.

In response to perceived threats, Pyongyang has declared its intention to amass a significant presence of armed forces and weapons along its border with South Korea. Kim Jong Un, having visited the Air Force headquarters, unveiled operational strategic guidelines aimed at enhancing the military's preparedness and capabilities for potential conflict.

Image source: Hindustan Times