Reconnaissance satellite

Reconnaissance satellite

Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations and GS-III Science and technology

Context: North Korea performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy or Reconnaissance satellite.

• This is the second such tests in about a week, indicating the country intends to conduct a prohibited long-range rocket launch soon.
• North Korea has been carrying out a spate of ballistic missile launches.
• Experts call it an attempt to add new weapons systems to its arsenal and pressure the U.S. into making concessions amid stalled diplomacy.

Reconnaissance satellite

• Intelligence satellite, commonly referred to as a spy satellite is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications.

• Some of its Types and their uses

• • Missile early warning: Provides warning of an attack by detecting ballistic missile launches. Earliest known are Missile Defense Alarm System.
  • Nuclear explosion detection: Detects nuclear detonation from space. Vela is the earliest known.
  • Optical imaging surveillance: Earth imaging satellites. Satellite images can be a survey or close-look telephoto. Corona is the earliest known.
• Reconnaissance satellites have been used to enforce human rights, through the Satellite Sentinel Project, which monitors atrocities in Sudan and South Sudan.
• To operate a reconnaissance satellite, North Korea must launch a long-range rocket to put it into orbit. 
  • But the UN bans such a launch by North Korea because it considers that as a cover for testing its long-range missile technology.

News Source: TH