South Korea's first domestic military spy satellite, launched in Dec 2021, has been approved for combat use.

South Korea's first domestic military spy satellite, launched in Dec 2021, has passed a combat suitability evaluation. Launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the satellite underwent operational and space orbit flight tests. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the defense ministry's approval for combat use. The satellite, equipped with electro-optical and infrared capabilities, will serve as an "eye" for South Korea's Kill Chain preemptive strike system and strengthen their space reconnaissance capabilities against North Korea. By 2025, South Korea plans to launch five spy satellites, including those with synthetic aperture radars, to establish an independent military spy satellite network.

August 14, 2024
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