South Korea has successfully deployed its second military reconnaissance satellite into orbit, following North Korea’s recent announcement of plans to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year.
Both Koreas launched their initial spy satellites last year — North Korea in November and South Korea in December — amid escalating tensions. They stated that these satellites would bolster their surveillance capabilities over each other and strengthen their respective missile defense systems.
The second South Korean spy satellite was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday evening local time, corresponding to Monday morning in Seoul.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry verified that the satellite achieved orbit and established communication with an overseas ground station following separation from the rocket.