Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced the successful launch of its military reconnaissance satellite No. 4 on April 22, Korean time, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA.
The 425 Project aims to secure defense reconnaissance satellites equipped with high-performance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) equipment.
The recently launched satellite is the fourth medium-sized reconnaissance satellite showcasing high efficiency and high-resolution capabilities. It follows the successful launch of the first EO/IR satellite in December 2023 and two successful launches of SAR satellites in 2024.
Since 2018, KAI has played a crucial role as a manufacturer of SAR satellite prototypes through a collaborative contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (ADD), overseeing the satellite's environmental testing, production, and overall development.
SAR satellites utilize radar electromagnetic waves for imaging, allowing for 24/7 all-weather and all-day/night surveillance, overcoming the limitations of optical satellites that rely on visible light and are affected by weather conditions.
KAI is developing an agile high-mobility platform capable of quickly directing multiple targets in densely populated areas, successfully integrating and testing payloads with high-resolution SAR sensors and high-speed, large-capacity data links for the 425 project satellite development.
The surveillance and reconnaissance satellites will enable the military to collect observational data from key areas within hours, playing a vital role in preemptively detecting and countering provocative threats posed by an unstable global security environment and the visible threats of nuclear missiles.
Additionally, KAI is participating in the development of a micro-SAR verification satellite project with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, aiming for successful micro-satellite validation and collaborative operations that will contribute to establishing a continuous surveillance system over major areas, alongside the 425 satellites.
With over 30 years of experience in government-led space endeavors, KAI has participated in various development projects for mid-to-large satellites, including the 425 project, multipurpose satellites, geostationary satellites, and next-generation medium-sized satellites.
To further promote domestic commercialization of the private space industry, KAI established South Korea's first 4-ton thermal vacuum chamber at its headquarters in Sacheon in July of last year. This facility provides simultaneous testing capabilities for small to large satellites. Plans are underway to acquire additional electromagnetic testing facilities to establish a one-stop space center that will manage the entire satellite development process from design to production and environmental testing.
“The successful launch of the 4th satellite from the 425 project not only enhances our military's reconnaissance capabilities but also demonstrates that Korea possesses satellite development technology and infrastructure comparable to that of leading space powers worldwide," said CEO Kang Koo-young. "As Korea's representative aerospace company, KAI will accelerate the realization of the space economy by expanding our business into satellites, reusable launch vehicles, and space services.”
