The South Korean Ministry of Defense announced that it will launch its second military reconnaissance satellite from the United States on the morning of the 8th next week, Japan time. Some believe that North Korea may launch additional military reconnaissance satellites ahead of this, so South Korea is increasing its vigilance and monitoring.
According to an announcement by the South Korean Ministry of Defense, the second South Korean military reconnaissance satellite is scheduled to be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the southern state of Florida in the United States by a private company's rocket at just after 8 a.m. Japan time on the 8th. That's it.
The satellite is said to use its high-performance radar to conduct surveillance activities such as detecting signs of North Korean missile launches.
South Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in December last year, and plans to launch a total of five by next year.
Meanwhile, North Korea has announced plans to launch three additional military reconnaissance satellites this year, following the successful launch of Malligyong 1 in November last year. Preparations for launch are underway at the satellite launch site.
Since the launch of Malligyong 1 took place 11 days before the launch of South Korea's first military reconnaissance satellite, there are speculations that North Korea will force an additional launch before South Korea this time as well. South Korea is increasing its vigilance and monitoring ahead of voting in the general election on the 10th of next week.