# 425SAT-1

> South Korean radar reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q125399843](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125399843)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/425sat-1

## Summary
425SAT-1 is a South Korean radar reconnaissance satellite launched on April 7, 2024. It is part of South Korea's 425 project for military intelligence gathering and carries a synthetic aperture radar for reconnaissance purposes.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: April 7, 2024 at 23:16 UTC
- Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanwha Systems Corporation, and Thales Alenia Space
- Operator: Agency for Defense Development
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1073.14)
- COSPAR ID: 2024-066A
- Satellite catalog number: 59442
- Part of: 425 project (South Korean reconnaissance satellite system)
- Carries scientific instrument: Synthetic aperture radar
- Country of origin: South Korea and France (due to international collaboration)
- Power: Solar array with 4 panels

## FAQs
### Q: When and where was 425SAT-1 launched?
A: 425SAT-1 was launched on April 7, 2024, at 23:16 UTC from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: What is the purpose of 425SAT-1?
A: 425SAT-1 is a radar reconnaissance satellite designed to collect intelligence and military data using its synthetic aperture radar capability. It's part of South Korea's efforts to enhance national security through independent space-based reconnaissance capabilities.

### Q: Who built and operates 425SAT-1?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanwha Systems Corporation, and Thales Alenia Space. It is operated by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development as part of the 425 project.

### Q: What makes 425SAT-1 technically unique?
A: 425SAT-1 carries a synthetic aperture radar system developed in collaboration with France. It's powered by solar arrays with 4 panels and forms part of South Korea's first dedicated reconnaissance satellite system.

## Why It Matters
The launch of 425SAT-1 represents a significant milestone for South Korea's space and defense capabilities. As the country's first dedicated radar reconnaissance satellite, it marks South Korea's entry into the realm of independent military intelligence gathering from space. This capability is crucial for national security in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, allowing for autonomous surveillance without relying on foreign providers. The satellite's synthetic aperture radar technology enables all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation capabilities that are essential for monitoring activities of interest. The international collaboration with French company Thales Alenia Space demonstrates how space programs can serve as vehicles for diplomatic and technological partnerships.

## Notable For
- First South Korean dedicated radar reconnaissance satellite as part of the 425 project
- Launch marked South Korea's entry into independent military satellite reconnaissance capability
- Utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket with booster B1073.14
- Carries synthetic aperture radar technology developed through international collaboration with France
- Operated by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, enhancing national security capabilities

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 59442
- COSPAR ID: 2024-066A
- Power source: Spacecraft solar array with 4 panels
- Scientific instrument: Synthetic aperture radar
- Instrument developer: Thales Alenia Space (for the SAR component)

### Launch Details
- Launch date: April 7, 2024
- Launch time: 23:16 UTC
- Launch location: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- Launch vehicle: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1073.14)
- Mission: Successful insertion into orbit

### Development and Manufacturing
- Primary manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries
- Additional manufacturer: Hanwha Systems Corporation
- SAR component manufacturer: Thales Alenia Space
- Project: Part of the 425 project
- Operator: Agency for Defense Development

### International Collaboration
- Country of origin: South Korea
- International partner: France (through Thales Alenia Space)
- Shared technology: Synthetic aperture radar capabilities

### Mission and Purpose
- Classification: Reconnaissance satellite
- Primary function: Intelligence and military data collection
- Special capability: Radar-based Earth observation through synthetic aperture radar
- System context: First satellite in South Korea's dedicated reconnaissance satellite system

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/425-project-sar.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7237)
4. SATCAT