South Korea will launch its third military reconnaissance satellite in November, Seoul’s defense ministry announced Tuesday, as it pushes forward a long-term project to improve the country’s ability to monitor North Korea threats regardless of weather conditions.

Following an all-commander meeting overseen by defense minister Shin Won-sik, the ministry also announced that upcoming large-scale joint exercises with the U.S. in August will serve as the final test for the ROK’s new Strategic Command, which will oversee responses to DPRK nuclear weapons after it launches later this year.