South Korea successfully placed its second military spy satellite into orbit, only days after North Korea confirmed its intention to launch several reconnaissance satellites this year.
On Monday morning, South Korea launched its second military spy satellite into space from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. This comes after North Korea announced its intention to launch several surveillance satellites this year.
The South Korean Defense Ministry reported that the satellite entered orbit and spoke with an overseas base station after being separated from a rocket.
North and South Korea launched their first spy satellites last year, in November and December, respectively, amid rising tensions. They claimed that these satellites would improve their ability to monitor each other and their own missile assault capabilities.
These satellites were claimed to have improved mutual surveillance capabilities and missile attack potential.
South Korea plans to launch five surveillance satellites by 2025 under an arrangement with SpaceX. The maiden launch took place on December 1 from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base.
South Korea joined the ranks of nations capable of launching satellites independently in 2022 when it launched a "performance observation satellite" into orbit using a domestically produced rocket. However, analysts contend that using SpaceX rockets for satellite launches is more cost-effective and that South Korea requires more missions to ensure rocket reliability.
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik stated on Monday that North Korea will most likely launch its second spy satellite shortly to commemorate the April 15 birthday of state founder Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un's grandfather. Shin stated that the North could yet launch later owing to technical issues.
North Korea is also looking to create a space-based monitoring system to counter alleged military threats from the United States and South Korea.
North Korea has undertaken a number of provocative missile tests in recent years in an effort to upgrade and expand its arsenal. In response, the United States and South Korea have increased their military exercises.
Experts believe North Korea intends to strengthen its bargaining position in future diplomatic conversations with the United States by increasing its weapons stockpile.
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