[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] After Communication Satellites, Reconnaissance Satellites

One Step Closer to Wartime OPCON Transfer with Reconnaissance Satellites Following Communication Satellites
Military Plans to Operationalize 5 Reconnaissance Satellites by 2023

South Korea's first military communication satellite, 'Anasis 2', was successfully launched.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] With the Korean military's successful launch of a dedicated communication satellite, it is expected that the launch of reconnaissance satellites will also accelerate in the future. If the Korean military possesses both communication and reconnaissance satellites, it will be able to conduct independent operations without relying on U.S. strategic assets. This signifies a step closer to the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) within the current administration's term.

The Korean military currently has established its communication system using the dual-use civilian-military satellite 'Mugunghwa 5.' However, since it is not exclusively for military use, it was vulnerable to enemy jamming attacks. When the existing dual-use satellite was subjected to enemy jamming, the military had no choice but to use the U.S. military's satellite communication network.

Therefore, securing an independent military communication satellite without relying on U.S. strategic assets means that the foundation for a core capability that can advance the timing of OPCON transfer has been established. For independent operations, it is essential to maintain smooth communication during emergencies without exposing vulnerabilities to enemy attacks.

Following the successful launch of the communication satellite, the Korean military plans to operationalize five reconnaissance satellites by 2023. Typically, military powers do not disclose specific details about their reconnaissance satellite holdings. If the Korean military acquires reconnaissance satellites, it is expected to become the eighth country to possess them, following the United States, Russia, Germany, Japan, Israel, China, and Italy.

Reconnaissance Satellites, Also Called Spy Satellites, Orbit the Earth 14 Times a Day
Notified in Advance of the Collapse of North Korea's Geumgangsan Dam in April 2002

Reconnaissance satellites, also known as spy satellites, maximize three-dimensional intelligence-gathering capabilities on North Korea. In April 2002, the U.S. Ikonos satellite discovered and reported the collapse of North Korea's Geumgangsan Dam. Unlike broadcasting or communication satellites that orbit in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km, reconnaissance satellites orbit at a low altitude of 300 to 500 km, detecting objects and movements on the ground. They orbit the Earth approximately 14 and a half times a day at a speed of about 8 km per second.

The military established a domestic reconnaissance satellite development plan in April 2013, but the project has been delayed for over four years. Initially planned for independent military operation, the reconnaissance satellite project became stalled due to disagreements over satellite control rights and operational purposes as the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Science and ICT joined the project. According to inter-agency consultations so far, the Ministry of National Defense will exercise control rights over the reconnaissance satellites. It is reported that the collected information will be shared with the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Science and ICT. Before developing its own reconnaissance satellites, the military considered leasing 4 to 5 satellites from European companies to fill the surveillance gap on North Korea. However, the countries involved expressed reluctance, and the plan did not materialize.

Ultimately, the military established an independent development plan. The reconnaissance satellite project (425 project) will invest 1.2214 trillion won to secure five satellites, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electro-Optical (EO), and Infrared (IR) satellites. In 2017, operational performance (ROC) enhancements were added, including improvements in satellite image resolution and transmission speed initially set.

Meanwhile, SpaceX, which launched the ANASIS-II satellite, is a private space exploration company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. On May 30, it successfully launched the manned spacecraft 'Crew Dragon' for the first time as a private company. The Falcon 9 rocket's first-stage booster B1058 used in this launch was previously used to carry the 'Crew Dragon' to the International Space Station (ISS). The booster was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean and reused for the ANASIS-II launch. SpaceX has launched rockets 12 times this year, but this is the first launch for a customer-ordered satellite.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.