South Korea's fifth homegrown military spy satellite launched from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully entered orbit. The satellite also communicated successfully with ground stations, completing the plan to deploy five such satellites by year's end. This enhances surveillance of North Korea and reduces reliance on U.S. imagery.
According to the defense ministry, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:09 a.m. on November 2, 2025 (U.S. time) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, placing the satellite into orbit about 14 minutes later. Communication with a ground station succeeded about an hour after launch, indicating normal operation.
This synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite is the fifth and final under the plan to deploy five spy satellites by the end of 2025, enabling independent surveillance and reconnaissance across the Korean Peninsula in all weather conditions through cluster operation. The ministry stated, "With the latest launch, (the military) will be able to build independent capabilities to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance in all weather conditions across the Korean Peninsula by operating the satellites in a cluster."
The first satellite launched in December 2023 with electro-optical and infrared sensors for detailed imaging, followed by three more SAR satellites. The fourth is undergoing operational evaluation, and full deployment will allow monitoring of North Korea every two hours. The ministry and Defense Acquisition Program Administration anticipate this will strengthen the military's Kill Chain capabilities, part of the three-axis deterrence structure.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the launch has "completed" round-the-clock monitoring independence and pledged to advance defense space capabilities. North Korea launched its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, in November 2023 and planned three more in 2024, but a rocket exploded shortly after takeoff in May 2024.
