First spy satellite launched

South Korea launched its first military spy satellite into space yesterday, a little over a week after North Korea claimed to have put its own spy satellite into orbit for the first time, as tensions rise between the rivals. Launched from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, it is the first of five spy satellites South Korea plans to send into orbit by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. South Korea has had no military reconnaissance satellites of its own, and has partially resorted to the United States’ spy satellites to monitor moves by North Korea. After two launch failures earlier this year, North Korea said it successfully placed its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit last week. South Korea confirmed that the satellite had entered orbit, but officials said they needed more time to verify whether it was working properly. Multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions ban any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as covers for testing its long-range missile technology. The satellite launches have inflamed animosities between the two Koreas, with the rivals taking steps to breach a previous military agreement meant to ease frontline military tensions. South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers last week that Russia’s technological assistance likely enabled North Korea to place its spy satellite into orbit. South Korea, the US and Japan have accused North Korea of seeking high-tech Russian technologies needed to enhance its military programmes in return for supplying conventional arms to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.