South Korea successfully launched a civilian commercial satellite using solid-propellant space launch vehicle technology developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) on Dec. 4, 2023, near Jeju Island, according to the ROK Ministry of National Defense. This launch, managed by Hanwha Systems, showcased the private sector’s capability to develop and execute launches based on the ADD’s solid propulsion and orbit entry technology.

This test comes just two days after South Korea successfully launched its first military-grade reconnaissance satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Seoul aims to send five reconnaissance satellites into space by 2025, enhancing its capability to surveil North Korea, which recently placed its own spy satellite in orbit and continues to test solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.