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기사입력 : 2024.12.30 12:31
The
Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration
(DAPA) announced the successful launch of South Korea's Military Reconnaissance
Satellite No. 3 on December 21. The launch took place at 8:34 PM (local time)
from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, equivalent to 3:34 AM on
December 21 Korean time.
Approximately
51 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated from the Falcon 9 rocket and
entered its intended orbit. Communication with the ground station was
established about 2 hours and 56 minutes later, confirming that the satellite
was functioning as intended.
Military
Reconnaissance Satellite No. 3, managed by the Agency for Defense Development
(ADD), will undergo space orbit testing to verify its performance. After
passing operational tests and evaluations, the satellite will officially begin
surveillance and reconnaissance missions under military supervision.
According
to the Ministry of National Defense and DAPA, this achievement marks a
significant advancement in South Korea's independent surveillance and
reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite is expected to strengthen the Kill
Chain system by bolstering the core power of the Korean-style three-axis
defense system.
Equipped
with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Satellite No. 3 is capable of capturing
ultra-high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night. Like its
predecessor, Satellite No. 2, it remains unaffected by environmental factors,
providing continuous surveillance capabilities.
With
this launch, the South Korean military has, for the first time, achieved the
ability to operate surveillance satellites in a cluster. Together with
previously launched Satellites No. 1 and No. 2, this development enables faster
and more accurate identification of North Korean provocations.
The
satellite was developed through a collaborative effort led by DAPA, involving
ADD and domestic industries. This project not only strengthens South Korea's
defense capabilities but also establishes a foundation for domestic satellite
development expertise. This is a strategic response to the growing significance
of space in global security dynamics.
Seok
Jong-geon, Commissioner of DAPA, attended the launch on-site as the head of the
launch management team. He highlighted the importance of this achievement,
stating, "Following the successful launch of Satellite No. 3, we plan to
operationalize subsequent military reconnaissance satellites by next year.
Additionally, the development and launch of microsatellites for rapid early
warning will allow our military to establish an independent and advanced space
power, positioning South Korea as a leading space defense force."
He
further emphasized the need for timely and phased enhancements to South Korea’s
space capabilities, committing to the continuous advancement of space operation
systems and national defense space power.
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