South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Saturday the successful launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite successfully separated from its Falcon-9 rocket and established communication with a ground station. This launch is a step in South Korea’s plan to develop intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance abilities independently of the U.S.

The satellite’s development, managed by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), involved collaboration with Korean research institutes and companies, reflecting an advancement in South Korea’s space industry. Additionally, South Korea is working on a microsatellite system for rapid monitoring and early warning to improve its surveillance capabilities and reinforce its strategic position in relation to North Korea.