ANASIS‑2 (KMilSatCom‑1): South Korea’s First Military-Grade Satellite

Overview & Purpose

ANASIS‑2—short for Army Navy Air Force Satellite Information System 2—is South Korea’s first dedicated military communications satellite, operated by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). It supports secure, high-capacity communications for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, strengthening national defense and ensuring independence from commercial satellites.

Satellite Specifications

• Bus Platform: Airbus Defense & Space Eurostar E3000
• Launch Mass: Estimated between 4,500 kg and 6,500kgs
• Power: ~15 kW
• Design Life: 15 years
• Orbital Slot: Geostationary at 116.2° East longitude

Launch Details

• Launch Date: July 20, 2020, at 21:30 UTC
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (booster B1058‑2) from Cape Canaveral SLC‑40
• Milestones:
  • First stage landed successfully on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions
  • Both fairing halves were recovered—first time ever using Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief ships.

Operational Timeline & Background

• Developed as part of a defense offset agreement tied to South Korea’s 2014 purchase of 40 F‑35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
• Manufactured by Airbus under subcontract to Lockheed Martin.
• Reached its geostationary position in October 2020, with full operational control following completion of the ground segment infrastructure.
• Replaced the dual-use ANASIS‑I/Koreasat‑5 satellite from 2006.

Strategic Impact

• Enables secure, sovereign military communications for tactical and strategic operations across South Korea and nearby regions.
• South Korea joined an elite group of nations (~10 worldwide) possessing a dedicated military satellite in geostationary orbit.
• Foundation for a planned constellation of military satellites, furthering resilience and national security capabilities.