S. Korea successfully launches 4th spy satellite into orbit

South Korea has successfully launched its fourth homegrown military spy satellite from a US space base in Florida, the defense ministry said on April 22, in efforts to strengthen its independent surveillance capabilities on North Korea, Report informs via Yonhap.

The spy satellite lifted off at 8:48 p.m. April 21 (US time) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as planned and placed the reconnaissance satellite into orbit at 9:03 p.m., 15 minutes after liftoff, according to the ministry.

The launched satellite succeeded in communicating with an overseas ground station at 11:27 p.m., indicating the satellite's normal operation.

"This is anticipated to reinforce the grouped operation of the satellites, alongside the three satellites in normal operation, and enhance capabilities to detect signs of North Korea's provocations," the ministry said in a notice.