Seoul, Apr 22 (UNI) South Korea has successfully launched the fourth of its five military reconnaissance satellites from a US space base in Florida, the country’s defense ministry said on Tuesday.

The satellite was launched Monday from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket placed the satellite into orbit 15 minutes after liftoff. The satellite later established contact with a ground station.

"The successful launch of the fourth military reconnaissance satellite has further strengthened our armed forces’ independent surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," the ministry said in a statement.

With the previous successful launches of three satellites, the South Korean military can now operate them as a group significantly reducing reconnaissance revisit time, the ministry added.

"This enables more precise and timely detection of potential provocations by North Korea," the statement said.

In December 2023, South Korea launched its first reconnaissance satellite, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors for high-resolution imagery. South Korea plans to launch its fifth satellite later this year. Once all five are operational, the country is expected to monitor North Korean territory every two hours.

UNI SPUTNIK GNK