S. Korea's next-generation medium satellite 4 successfully launched into orbit

South Korea has successfully launched its domestically developed Earth-observation satellite, next-generation medium satellite 4, into space.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration said a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying next-generation medium satellite 4 lifted off Tuesday at 4:12 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The satellite is scheduled to separate from the rocket about two hours and 22 minutes after launch, then make first contact with a ground station in Svalbard, Norway, roughly 31 minutes later — approximately two hours and 53 minutes after liftoff. That contact will confirm whether the satellite has settled into its target orbit.

Next-generation medium satellite 4 weighs 514 kilograms and carries an optical payload capable of distinguishing objects as small as 5 meters in color imagery. It is expected to support public safety and daily life applications, including crop growth analysis and forest fire monitoring.