The Military Reconnaissance Satellite 2, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and supplied by Hanwha Systems, has been successfully launched. KAI and Hanwha Systems aim to deliver the remaining three reconnaissance satellites safely to enhance the military’s surveillance capabilities and achieve the goal of contributing to the space economy.
S. Korean Ministry of National Defense announced on Apr. 8, that their second military reconnaissance satellite had been successfully launched at 8:17 a.m. local time. The satellite was launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
The launch is part of South Korea’s ‘425 Project’, which aims to acquire a total of five defence satellites by 2025, including four high-performance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and one satellite equipped with electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) equipment.
This is the second military reconnaissance satellite of the project, following the successful launch of the first Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 1 equipped with EO/IR in Dec. 2023. The new satellite is the first to be equipped with SAR payload.
KAI is the main contractor for the SAR satellite, having undertaken the prototype contract for the satellite body with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Dec. 2018.
This institution plays a key role in satellite testing throughout the development process, from various environmental testing to production and launch.
SAR satellites enable image capture using radar electromagnetic waves, overcoming the limitations of optical satellites that rely on visible light and allowing continuous imaging regardless of weather and day or night conditions.
Hanwha Systems has been working on developing key technologies for SAR satellites since 2018. These technologies include the SAR sensor and data link system. Hanwha has supplied the payload for four SAR satellites so far, which includes the second military spy satellite launched this month.
Kim Sung-pil, a senior researcher at Hanwha Systems Research Institute for Space Technology, stated that they have completed the integrated testing of the electronic parts and antennas for the SAR sensor payload of the final military reconnaissance satellite for government use. This preparation process has provided them with valuable experience in satellite development processes.
Kang Goo-young, the CEO of KAI, commented that the successful launch of the SAR satellite is a significant step forward in satellite development technology, which not only strengthens the military’s reconnaissance capabilities but also contributes to the enhancement of the space economy.
He further added that “KAI will expand its business to include satellites, space mobility, and space services, becoming Korea’s representative space specialist company.”
