U.S. forces launch space unit in South Korea amid North's growing threats

Soldiers attend the activation ceremony for a space-monitoring organisation - United States Space Forces Korea, set up aiming to keep an eye on North Korea's nuclear and missile activities, on December 14, 2022 in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Song Kyung-Seok/Pool via REUTERS

U.S. Forces Korea launched a new space forces unit on Wednesday as the allies ramp up efforts to better counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

The U.S. Space Forces Korea is the second overseas space component of the U.S. Space Force and is tasked with monitoring, detecting and tracking incoming missiles, as well as bolstering the military's overall space capability. It will be led by Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion.