South Korea Joins Space Race with Launch of First Spy Satellite

South Korea successfully launched its first military spy satellite into space, following North Korea's recent claim of launching its own spy satellite. The satellite, launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, is the first of five that South Korea plans to send into space by 2025. The launch allows South Korea to acquire an independent space-based surveillance system and enhance its preemptive missile strike capability. North Korea's satellite launch has sparked condemnations, with the United Nations viewing it as a cover for testing long-range missile technology. Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated, with both sides taking steps to breach a previous military agreement meant to ease tensions.