Shivs Telegram Media presents SpaceXs Ride Share Mission with South Korean and Irish Satellites
2 min read
Title: SpaceX Successfully Launches Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying 25 Spacecraft, Including South Korea’s First Military Spy Satellite
In a remarkable achievement, SpaceX has triumphantly launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The rocket carried a significant payload of 25 spacecraft, attracting worldwide attention. Among the noteworthy missions was South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development’s (ADD) satellite, marking the country’s maiden military spy satellite.
Equipped with cutting-edge electro-optic and infrared sensors, the ADD satellite holds strategic importance for South Korea’s defense operations. The satellite is part of the 425 Project, which aims to launch a total of four Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites by 2025. Thales Alenia Space, in collaboration with Aerospace Industries, LTD., and Hanwha Systems Corporation, is responsible for the development of these SAR satellites.
The combined contract for manufacturing and deployment of the satellites amounts to an impressive $930 million. These advanced SAR satellites will be positioned in an orbit around 600 to 700 km above the Earth’s surface. Their primary objective will be to monitor North Korea’s activities, providing critical insights every two hours.
This momentous launch follows North Korea’s recent claims of successfully sending its own spy satellite into orbit. The international community swiftly condemned the act, considering it a breach of global security norms. South Korea’s response through the launch of their military satellite showcases their commitment to keeping a vigilant eye on their neighbor’s activities.
Along with the milestone achievement of deploying South Korea’s satellite, the Falcon 9 carried an additional 25 spacecraft. Some notable payloads included Space BD’s ISL48, SITAEL’s uHETSat, D-Orbit’s ION SCV Daring Diego, York Space Systems’ Bane, and PlanetiQ’s GNOMES-4. SITAEL’s uHETSat, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), boasts an advanced electric propulsion system.
GNOMES-4, part of the GNOMES constellation, takes the credit for establishing the world’s first commercial constellation of Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) weather satellites. These GNOMES satellites will significantly enhance weather monitoring capabilities and contribute to accurate climate predictions.
Other remarkable payloads present on the Falcon 9 include MicroSat KOYOH from Kanazawa University, Ireland’s first satellite EIRSAT-1, and “Pono,” a CubeSat developed by Privateer Space.
Amidst a flurry of successful satellite launches and advancements, SpaceX continues to cement its position as one of the world’s leading space exploration companies. The recent mission further underscores the significance of international cooperation and innovation in the pursuit of outer space advancements.
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