South Korea to launch 3rd military spy satellite in December

by IANS |

Seoul, Oct 23 (IANS) South Korea plans to launch its third military reconnaissance satellite in December, the state arms procurement agency said on Wednesday, as part of efforts to bolster its surveillance capabilities on North Korea.


A SpaceX rocket carrying the satellite is scheduled to lift off in the third or fourth week of December, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said, adding it is working with the US company on the details of the launch.


The launch will take place as part of Seoul's plan to acquire five spy satellites by 2025 to better monitor North Korea with a space-based platform. South Korea has previously relied largely on satellite imagery provided by the United States. South Korea's first two spy satellites were launched aboard SpaceX rockets in December last year and April, respectively.


The first satellite is equipped with an electro-optical and infrared sensor to capture detailed images of the Earth's surface, while the second one has synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions.Excluding the first satellite, all four others will be equipped with SAR sensors, Yonhap news agency reported.Once all five spy satellites are launched and determined fit for operations, the military is expected to be able to monitor a certain target in North Korea every two hours.South Korea plans to further bolster its surveillance capabilities by launching small reconnaissance satellites that weigh less than 500 kilograms and even smaller reconnaissance satellites weighing less than 100 kg aboard homegrown solid-fuel space rockets.The launches for the small satellites are known to be scheduled between 2026 and 2028 and for the smaller satellites between 2028 and 2030.

Latest News
Pawan Kalyan buys 12 more acres land in Pithapuram constituency Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 03:38 PM
RBI Governor rules out immediate rate cut as inflation still a concern Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 03:34 PM
LMV licence holders can drive light transport vehicles, reiterates SC Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 03:22 PM
US Election: Trump clinches win in three swing states Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:42 PM
Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in white-ball series against New Zealand Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:33 PM
Andhra Pradesh HC quashes poll code violation case against Allu Arjun Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:19 PM
Pant, Mitchell gain big in ICC rankings after Mumbai Test Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:18 PM
Musk a 'super genius', says Trump as tech billionaire lauds 'mandate for change' Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:16 PM
PM Modi congratulates 'friend' Donald Trump, says let’s work together for betterment of people, global peace Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 02:10 PM
NYT 'Needle' points to Trump win with projection of 285 electoral college votes Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:57 PM
Three Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in West Bank: Health ministry Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:52 PM
Blood-biomarker tests may aid in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's: Report Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:49 PM
India's services sector growth surges in Oct Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:41 PM
Folk singer Sharda Sinha's contribution to Chhath Puja will be remembered forever Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:38 PM
How are US polls conducted? Will Trump win again or will Harris script history? Wed, Nov 06, 2024, 12:38 PM