North Korea is preparing to launch its second military spy satellite into space, South Korea’s military said on Friday.
North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit last November as part of its efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to combat what it calls US military threats. Kim Jong Un later told a key ruling party meeting that his country would launch three more military spy satellites in 2024.
South Korea’s military told local reporters at a briefing on Friday that it had detected clear signs that North Korea was conducting activities suspected to be preparations for a spy satellite launch at its main Tongchang-ri launch facility in the northwest of the country. The military added that South Korean and US intelligence agencies are closely monitoring North Korea’s activities.
The South Korean military did not immediately explain exactly what North Korean actions they had spotted in the Tongchang-ri area.
After launching its Malligyong-1 spy satellite on November 21, North Korea said it transmitted images of key sites in the US and South Korea, including the White House and Pentagon. But it has not released any photos, raising widespread doubts about its satellite’s capabilities.
North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent months to expand its weapons arsenal. Analysts say North Korea probably believes an increased arsenal will give it more clout in future diplomatic relations with the US.
Last week, South Korea said North Korea had launched suspected short-range ballistic missiles off the country’s east coast. North Korea later said it tested a tactical ballistic missile with a new autonomous navigation system.
