The 4th spy satellite from South Korea was successfully launched on 22 April 2025, and it is a locally developed satellite. This new satellite joining the country’s fleet will serve the military, helping to meet their surveillance needs.

Details On The New Surveillance Satellite Launched By South Korea

Being a surveillance or spy satellite, this new entry into the South Korean constellation will help the country’s military monitor North Korea. With these eyes in space, South Korea will be able to monitor its hostile neighbour, North Korea, providing real-time information on the region’s provocative moves.

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The launch of this new satellite took place in Florida from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. In charge of this launch was SpaceX as the satellite made its way to space aboard their Falcon 9 rocket.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry and the Defence Acquisition Program Administration confirm that it has been able to establish communication with the satellite. To meet its surveillance requirements, the 4th spy satellite features a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system like its predecessor.

This technology helps satellites transmit radio waves from their orbits in space to the ground. It doesn’t end there, as the system can also capture high-resolution images using reflections regardless of the atmospheric conditions.

So this new satellite will ensure the constant monitoring of North Korea as well as other hostile regions for the South Korean military. Being the 4th spy satellite from South Korea, the new addition will ensure better surveillance of hostile regions.

How Will The Growing South Korean Spy Satellite Constellation Operate?

Reports on the 4th spy satellite point out that the new satellite will be put through some tests. These tests will include performance tests by the Agency for Defence Development and then an operational test by the South Korean military.

The plan for this satellite involves the use of five spy satellites, but for now, there are only four satellites in the constellation. However, despite the constellation not being complete at this time, the addition of the 4th spy satellite will step up the overall performance of the constellation.

According to our sources, some officials say that this new addition will reduce the time satellites in the constellation revisit new areas. The last satellite in this constellation will launch later this year, completing the five-satellite network.

Other details on this satellite from the South Korean Defence Ministry include that its development is a collaborative effort between “the Agency for Defence Development and domestic companies under DAPA’s program management.” This satellite launch “marks a meaningful step in building our own satellite development legacy in response to the growing strategic importance of space.”