The Republic of Korea recently successfully launched its second military reconnaissance satellite, which entered the predetermined orbit and successfully communicated with the ground station. This means that for the first time, the South Korean military has a reconnaissance satellite carrying a high-performance imaging radar. Some analysts believe that this is a key step taken by the ROK to build an independent space-based reconnaissance network.
An independent space-based reconnaissance network is necessary
On April 8, local time, South Korea's second military reconnaissance satellite was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA (source: CCTV News)
On 1 December last year, the ROK's first military reconnaissance satellite was successfully launched, and the ROK initially gained independent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. After the successful launch of the second military reconnaissance satellite, a spokesman for the South Korean Defense Ministry said, "Our military has gained additional independent surveillance capabilities and further strengthened our 'kill chain' capability." The so-called "kill chain" capability is a major branch of the Yoon Suk-yeol government's efforts to build a "Korean-style three-axis system" after taking office.
Military observer Shao Yongling said that to build a "three-axis system," South Korea must first have independent space surveillance capabilities.
Shao Yongling:
South Korea's "three-axis system" includes the "kill chain," the "South Korean-type missile defense system," and the "large-scale punitive retaliation operation plan."
The prerequisite for the realization of this system is to be able to grasp the movements of opponents. Therefore, in addition to general means of reconnaissance, South Korea also needs means of space reconnaissance. While South Korea can use intelligence information provided by the United States, it would be able to conduct reconnaissance of the peninsula more precisely if it had its own reconnaissance satellites.
Both satellites work together
According to the information released by the South Korean side, unlike the No. 1 reconnaissance satellite, which is equipped with optical and infrared equipment, the No. 2 reconnaissance satellite launched this time is equipped with synthetic aperture radar.
In this regard, Shao Yongling explained that the No. 2 reconnaissance satellite has effectively made up for the shortcomings of the No. 1 reconnaissance satellite that is easily affected by weather conditions, and the two can be used together, one can see clearly, and the other can see the truth, and can achieve better reconnaissance results.
Shao Yongling:
Optical reconnaissance satellites have weaknesses and are easily affected by weather and other factors, but radar reconnaissance satellites can make up for their shortcomings very well. Therefore, the future satellite development plan of South Korea is a combination of optical satellites and radar satellites.
New Stage, New Risk
Data map: North Korean reconnaissance satellite "Wanlijing-1" (source: CCTV News)
It is understood that the ROK Ministry of National Defense plans to send five reconnaissance satellites into space by 2025, and by that time, the ROK military will build a reconnaissance satellite intelligence network consisting of optical imaging satellites and radar imaging satellites.
In Shao Yongling's view, after the completion of the ROK's independent space-based reconnaissance network, it will greatly enhance the ROK military's autonomy in strategic intelligence and reduce its dependence on US intelligence, but it will also inevitably bring new risks and destabilizing factors to the situation on the peninsula.
Shao Yongling:
South Korea wants to be a "global hub country," but if it relies on the US military in terms of intelligence, especially in space intelligence, and if its combat operations are subject to the United States, it will not be able to achieve true national defense independence, and being a "hub country" is just an empty word. If these five satellites are successfully networked, they will greatly enhance South Korea's intelligence and reconnaissance capability on the peninsula, basically support the operation of the "three-axis combat system," and at the same time will be of great significance for South Korea to get rid of US military control.
In addition, the DPRK launched the "Wanli Jing" reconnaissance satellite ahead of the ROK last year. Judging from the overall development, the level of military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula is indeed increasing, and the risks are also increasing.
Source: Central Military
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