South Korea launches next-generation satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9

South Korea has launched its next-generation Earth observation satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. The mission aims to strengthen disaster response capabilities and advance the country’s private-sector space technology.

Reuters

May 03, 2026

South Korea launches next-generation satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9

FILE PHOTO: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lifts off on NASA's Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., February 13, 2026.

Steve Nesius/Reuters

South Korea launched its next-generation mid-sized Earth observation satellite No. 2 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, Yonhap News Agency reported on Sunday.

Development of the 500-kg-class satellite was led by Korea Aerospace Industries 047810.KS to support land-management and disaster response and advance private-sector space technology, Yonhap said.

-Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim; Editing by William Mallr/Reuters