US EditionSeoul Places Fifth and Final Spy Satellite in Orbit to Monitor North Korea
The final satellite in a five-satellite cluster will enable independent surveillance of North Korea every two hours, strengthening South Korea's Kill Chain deterrence system.
- On Nov. 2, 2025, South Korea launched its fifth homegrown military reconnaissance satellite No. 5 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, placing it into orbit about 14 minutes after liftoff.
- Project 425 completed deployment of one electro-optical and infrared satellite and four Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite imagery and advance self-reliant national defense, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said.
- SAR sensors deliver all-weather imaging, and No. 5 offers about 30 centimeters per pixel resolution for precise observation of missile launch sites and troop movements.
- The Defense Ministry said the deployment will strengthen the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike system and three-axis deterrence, while Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said it has `completed` independent monitoring and pledged to advance space capabilities by pushing for small-sized satellites and launch pads and rockets.
- Seoul plans to expand its satellite fleet by launching 50–60 small and micro-satellites by 2030, while North Korea continues space reconnaissance after Malligyong-1's November 2023 launch.
12 Articles
12 Articles
South Korea Launches Final Spy Satellite to Track North Korea 24/7, Completing “425 Project”
South Korea has successfully launched the fifth and final military reconnaissance satellite under its Project 425 program, marking the completion of a years-long effort to establish an independent space-based surveillance network over the Korean Peninsula. According to The Chosun Daily on November 2, the satellite—designated “No. 5”—was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and successfully e…
Seoul places fifth and final spy satellite in orbit to monitor North Korea
South Korea placed its fifth and final military reconnaissance satellite into orbit Sunday, completing a multiyear effort to establish an independent, space-based surveillance network capable of monitoring North Korea around the clock. The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite — launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida
S. Korea set to launch 5th spy satellite from US space base
South Korea was set to launch its fifth homegrown military spy satellite from a U.S. space base on Sunday, the defense ministry said, in a move expected to bolster its independent surveillance capabilities against North Korea. The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) spy satellite will lift off at around 1 a.m. Sunday (U.S. time) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, according to the ministry. The satellite is the fifth and final militar…
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