The Earth observation satellite took off aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from a spaceport in Mahia, New Zealand, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT, Yonhap news agency reported.

The satellite, named NEONSAT-1, was deployed in space at an altitude of 52 kilometers about 50 minutes after the launch of the rocket.

NEONSAT stands for New-Space Earth Observation Satellite Constellation for National Security.

Developed by the state-run Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) for mass production, NEONSAT-1 weighs less than 100 kg and has a resolution of 1 meter.

This satellite was the first of 11 nanosatellites that formed a satellite constellation to monitor and photograph the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding areas.

South Korea plans to launch five more nanosatellites into space in June 2026 and five more nanosatellites in September 2027.

The launch was originally scheduled to take place at 7:08 am, but was delayed due to the potential risk of collision with another spacecraft and other issues, according to the ministry.

The launch project is abbreviated as BTS for 'The Beginning of the Swarm' by launch service provider Rocket Lab. The name was given.