South Korea Launches Final Spy Satellite to Track North Korea 24/7, Completing “425 Project”

South Korea has successfully launched the fifth and final military reconnaissance satellite under its Project 425 program, marking the completion of a years-long effort to establish an independent space-based surveillance network over the Korean Peninsula.

According to The Chosun Daily on November 2, the satellite—designated “No. 5”—was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and successfully entered orbit, establishing communication with ground stations shortly after separation.

The launch concludes the 425 Project, which deploys one electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) satellite and four Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites to provide round-the-clock monitoring capabilities.

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense said the system will enable the military to detect and track potential North Korean provocations at two-hour intervals, serving as a key component of Seoul’s “Kill Chain” pre-emptive strike system.

“This strengthens the foundation of our three-axis deterrence and significantly enhances the effectiveness of the preemptive strike system,” the ministry stated.

The SAR-equipped Satellite No. 5 offers a resolution of about 30 centimeters per pixel, allowing for precise observation of missile launch sites, troop movements, and other strategic facilities in North Korea under any weather conditions. The first EO/IR satellite was launched in December 2023, followed by four SAR satellites between April 2024 and November 2025.

French company Thales Alenia Space, a key partner in the project, confirmed its contribution of radar systems and ground data infrastructure, describing the constellation as a “high-agility, high-performance observation platform.” The firm worked alongside Korea Aerospace Industries and Hanwha Systems for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

With Project 425 now operational, Seoul plans to expand its reconnaissance capabilities by launching an additional 50–60 small and micro-satellites by 2030. The Defense Ministry said these efforts are part of a broader plan to “advance self-reliant national defense and space operational capabilities.”

Earlier, North Korea launched “strategic” sea-based cruise missiles over the Yellow Sea just hours before President Trump’s arrival in South Korea. The missiles flew for over two hours in what appeared to be an endurance test. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch and said the incident is under joint analysis with US authorities.

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