South Korea Successfully Launches Third Homegrown Spy Satellite

South Korea has successfully placed its third homegrown spy satellite into orbit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities. The satellite was launched on Saturday evening aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The rocket lifted off at 8:34 p.m. Korean time and successfully deployed the reconnaissance satellite into orbit at 9:24 p.m. Following the launch, the satellite established communication with an overseas ground station at 11:30 p.m., confirming its operational status.

This marks a key development in South Korea’s ambitious plan to deploy five spy satellites by 2025 as part of its efforts to enhance its independent military surveillance capabilities. Until now, South Korea has primarily relied on satellite imagery from the United States for intelligence purposes.