After a successful launch of the Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station last week, SpaceX has landed yet another contract for its reliable Falcon 9 rocket.
SpaceX has signed a contract with South Korea to launch five spy satellites by 2025 using its Falcon 9 booster, in order to monitor the military actions of North Korea, according to Space News.
The launches are set to begin by the end of 2023, confirmed a spokesperson for South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
DAPA’s Park Geun-young said “The deal was made to launch five satellites involved in the ‘425 project.’”
SpaceX Launches 48 More Starlink Satellites into Orbit [VIDEO] https://t.co/eMuB5kaLOT
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The project refers to a recon project set in space in order to more closely keep watch on North Korea’s military.
The satellites will include four synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, in addition to one electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) telescope-equipped satellite.
The satellites will be launched into orbit at altitudes from 600 to 700 kilometers, providing updates about the North Korean military every two hours.
SpaceX was also hired by South Korea in July 2020 to help the country launch its first military communications satellite — a project dubbed “Anasis-2.”
Last month, SpaceX increased the price of Falcon 9 booster launches to $67 million, citing inflation costs that have begun to impact raw materials.
