South Korea’s Spy Satellite vs. North Korea’s Aerial Arsenal – Part 3

Plans to launch a 3,307 lbs satellite with a four-stage solid rocket

This time, the solid rocket that launched the ultra-small SAR satellite is far ahead of North Korea. The launch vehicles used by North Korea to launch reconnaissance satellites three times so far have all been liquid rockets. Solid rockets can be launched quickly and at any time, making them suitable for military use.

An ultra-small SAR satellite has successfully entered space orbit with an actual satellite developed by a private company, thanks to the third test launch of the Korean-style solid-fuel space launch vehicle. The Agency for Defense Development developed the solid propulsion space launch vehicle, which uses solid fuel for stages 1 to 3 and liquid fuel for stage 4. The 2, 3, and 4-stage propulsion bodies were tested during the first and second launches in March and December. The 1, 3, and 4-stage propulsion bodies were tested in the latest test launch. In the final test launch in 2025, an actual satellite with all 1 to 4-stage propulsion bodies will be launched. The payload used in the third test launch is a small SAR satellite developed by Hanwha Systems. It is an earth observation satellite weighing about 220 lbs and entered a space orbit of about 404 miles. Once the 1 to 4-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle is completed, it can launch satellites weighing between 1,102 and 1,543 lbs into space orbit. The ultimate goal of the Korean-style solid-fuel launch vehicle is to increase the payload weight to 3,307 lbs.

What about the performance of North Korea’s reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1? North Korea claims to have successfully photographed U.S. military bases in South Korea, as well as Washington and mainland naval bases. Still, the actual performance is unknown as they have not released any photos.

The North Korean reconnaissance satellite is estimated by military authorities to have a resolution of more than 3 meters. This means that an object as small as 3 meters by 3 meters can be identified as a single point from hundreds of kilometers above the ground. As a result, its military usefulness is significantly reduced. In comparison, our military’s reconnaissance satellite can detect objects as small as 3 centimeters by 3 centimeters, indicating a significant technological gap between the two.

Shin Won Sik, the Minister of Defense, recently said about Malligyong-1 at a press conference, “The orbit is turning,” but also said, “(Malligyong-1) shows no signs of working. It’s just turning without doing anything.” This is interpreted to mean that the North Korean reconnaissance satellite is not performing its function, which is to take pictures of the ground and transmit them.

However, what is noteworthy is that until last February, analyses indicated that the North Korean satellite’s altitude was gradually falling and that a crash was possible, but the fact that the altitude has risen again suggests that there is a very high chance of having a control and propulsion device.

If it becomes possible to change the desired orbit or enter it using a propulsion device, it would be considered a significant breakthrough in space launch vehicle technology. Military experts have analyzed the propulsion system, which requires advanced technology, and there are many limitations to operating it in space orbit. It seems that the altitude has been increased in several stages. If this technology develops further, it could develop a weapon system that could neutralize the existing defense system, which is quite threatening.

To Read Part 1…
To Read Part 2…
To Read Part 4…