emirates7 - South Korea successfully launched its third domestically developed spy satellite into orbit on Saturday, according to the defense ministry.
The Yonhap News Agency reported that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the satellite, lifted off as scheduled at 8:34 p.m. Korean time from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The reconnaissance satellite was deployed into orbit by 9:24 p.m.
The satellite established communication with an overseas ground station at 11:30 p.m., marking a key milestone for confirming its proper functionality.
This launch is part of South Korea's initiative to deploy five military reconnaissance satellites by 2025. Until now, the country has predominantly depended on satellite imagery provided by the United States.
The Yonhap News Agency reported that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the satellite, lifted off as scheduled at 8:34 p.m. Korean time from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The reconnaissance satellite was deployed into orbit by 9:24 p.m.
The satellite established communication with an overseas ground station at 11:30 p.m., marking a key milestone for confirming its proper functionality.
This launch is part of South Korea's initiative to deploy five military reconnaissance satellites by 2025. Until now, the country has predominantly depended on satellite imagery provided by the United States.