How Many Reconnaissance Satellites Are Hidden by Military Powers?

Unofficially, over 800 military satellites launched by various countries
Including about 400 public communication satellites, estimated total exceeds 1,200

The military's dedicated communication satellite ANASIS-II is preparing for launch.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Interest in artificial satellites is growing as our military's first dedicated communication satellite, 'Anasis 2,' has been launched. With the launch of Anasis 2, our military now possesses the first dedicated military satellite with improved information processing speed, enhanced resistance to radio interference, and extended communication range.

President Moon Jae-in also announced plans to acquire reconnaissance satellites following the communication satellite. On the 23rd, during a visit to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in Daejeon, President Moon stated, "Our military has become the 10th in the world to possess a military-dedicated communication satellite, and I hope that soon we will also have military reconnaissance satellites developed with our own technology."

Once our military launches reconnaissance satellites in addition to communication satellites, the number of satellites orbiting in space will exceed 1,200. The U.S. Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) operates 29 space object tracking radars and optical cameras worldwide to track space objects almost in real-time. The TLE (Two-Line Element set containing orbital information) includes detailed data such as the type of space object, altitude at closest approach to Earth, altitude when farthest, and descent angle.

The U.S. closely monitors not only the positions of artificial satellites but also those satellites that failed to enter orbit, known as 'Space Junk.' When satellites fail to launch properly or reach the end of their lifespan, they become space junk. Satellites also become space junk if they are shot down. This space junk can cause fatal accidents if it falls to Earth.

The number of space junk pieces is estimated to exceed about 20,000. The official term for space junk is Orbital Debris. The types and sizes of space junk drifting in space vary widely, ranging from tiny metal particles as small as dust to spacecraft parts weighing hundreds of kilograms. It is known that there are approximately 19,000 pieces larger than 10 cm, 500,000 pieces between 1 and 10 cm, and tens of millions smaller than 1 cm. Most space junk orbits at altitudes between 800 and 1,500 km above the Earth. Debris discarded below 600 km usually re-enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up within a few years. However, debris at altitudes above 800 km can orbit space for decades to centuries.

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