A private firm launched the satellite called Mugunhwa 5 -- named after the national flower, the rose of Sharon, from a sea-based platform in waters near Hawaii, the defence ministry said. It is South Korea's first for military communications.

The 300 billion won ($313.6 million) satellite was developed by the country's military and largest fixed-line telecom and broadband operator KT Corp., the ministry said.

On July 28, a private firm in Russia launched the Arirang-2, which is being used primarily for geographical surveys but can also spy on North Korea, a government information agency said.

($1=956.7 Won)