South Korea has plans to launch its second military spy satellite by April 8th from a U.S. space center, allowing for greater abilities to monitor North Korea, according to South Korea’s Defense Ministry.
The satellite will launch from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, around 7:17 p.m. local time from a SpaceX Falcon 9.
South Korea plans to build five satellites by 2025, allowing them to keep better track of North Korea. When all five satellites are launched, they will have the ability to provide constant coverage at two-hour intervals.
North Korea is reportedly making similar efforts to acquire spy satellites, successfully launching one in November 2023, with plans to build three more. South Korean officials have questioned the capability of the North Korean satellites to send clear enough images.
South Korea is monitoring North Korean preparations for another launch at the Tongchang-ri launch site in North Korea’s northwestern tip. However, there are no signs of any preparations yet.
