Cape Canaveral: South Korea launched its fourth homegrown military spy satellite, which successfully entered orbit, Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday, citing a Defense Ministry statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the satellite was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the US state of Florida. This launch is a component of South Korea's strategy to deploy five satellites by the end of this year, aiming to enhance surveillance of North Korean military activities and reduce reliance on US satellite imagery.

South Korea initiated its spy satellite program in December 2023 with the launch of its first satellite, which was equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images. The country proceeded to launch two additional satellites last year as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its surveillance capabilities.