The spy satellite, launched in December 2023, has passed a series of operational evaluation tests in space and will begin full-fledged operations, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
This satellite is a key asset for the Kill Chain program, designed for preemptive strikes against North Korea's missile threats.
Equipped with electro-optical cameras and infrared sensors, it is capable of capturing high-resolution images even at night.
Through the development of the military satellite, full domestic production has been realized in areas such as design, assembly and testing, according to the agency.
Korea plans to deploy five spy satellites by 2025.
It successfully placed its second satellite into orbit in April. Unlike the first satellite, the second one is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, which use microwaves to capture data and operate under any weather conditions.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
