South Korea successfully launched its inaugural military spy satellite, marking a significant development just over a week after North Korea claimed a similar feat. The launch, utilizing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, is part of South Korea’s plan to deploy five spy satellites by 2025. The satellite, communicating with an overseas ground station, enhances South Korea’s independent space-based surveillance system and strengthens its preemptive missile strike capabilities. Tensions escalate following North Korea’s recent satellite launch, prompting condemnations from the U.S. and South Korea. The rival nations are taking steps that breach a prior military agreement aimed at easing tensions.
South Korea Launches First Spy Satellite Amid Rising Tensions with North Korea
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