Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) successfully launched its prototype military reconnaissance satellite No.5 on November 2 at 2:00 p.m. KST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch is part of the “425 Project,” a program to field military reconnaissance satellite systems that include high-performance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads. SAR satellites can image using radar waves, enabling all-weather, day-and-night surveillance and overcoming the limitations of conventional optical satellites.
The No.5 satellite is the fifth medium-class high-resolution reconnaissance satellite following the No.1 EO/IR satellite launched in December 2023 and the No.2–No.4 SAR satellites launched during 2024–2025. Since 2018, KAI has worked with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) under a prototype SAR bus production contract, playing a central role across satellite manufacturing, environmental testing, and launch preparations.
KAI said its participation in the program supports the South Korean military’s autonomous space-based reconnaissance capabilities and the collection of observation data for areas of interest, and that preparations for follow-on projects are underway. To expand its space business, KAI recently installed a 4-ton-class large thermal vacuum chamber at its headquarters space center to test small to large satellites simultaneously, and plans to add electromagnetic compatibility/test facilities to complete a one-stop development environment covering design, manufacture, and environmental testing.
Jihong Kim, head of KAI’s Future Convergence Technology Institute, said the successful launch of the 425 Project No.5 not only strengthens the military’s reconnaissance capabilities but also underscores South Korea’s need to develop defense space assets and launch vehicles comparable with leading spacefaring nations. “KAI will accelerate realization of space capabilities by expanding into satellites, reusable launch vehicles, and space services,” he said.
Over the past 30 years, KAI has led domestic commercial space development through projects including the 425 Project, multipurpose practical satellites, geostationary satellites, and next-generation medium-class satellites. The company is pursuing entry into the global space market through satellite exports and reusable launch vehicle development.
KAI has also participated since 2023 with the Agency for Defense Development in a microscale SAR demonstrator satellite program and intends to continue contributing to strengthening the Ministry of Defense’s core space capabilities.
Looking ahead, KAI plans to launch the next-generation medium-class Satellite No.3 from Naro Space Center in Goheung this November, followed by the No.2 and No.4 satellites next year aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicles.
