SEOUL: North Korea has carried out a “critical test at the end” of the development of a reconnaissance satellite, due for completion next April, state media said on Monday.
Report to a later date Seoul Army said they detected launches by Pyongyang of two intermediate-range ballistic missiles, North Korea’s latest test in a year of unprecedented weapons testing.
Analysts say the development of such a satellite would give North Korea the cover to test a banned intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), as the two countries share many of the same technologies.
A spokesman for North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Agency (NADA) said the launches were “an important test in the final stage for the development of (a) reconnaissance satellites”.
Conducted from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Tongchang-ri, Sunday’s test confirmed “key technical indicators” including space camera performance, data processing and transmission capabilities. of communication devices.
State media also said the “prototype” satellite carrier – consisting of a camera, image receiver and transmitter, control unit and battery – reached an altitude of 500 kilometers (311 miles) when fired. at a high angle.
“NADA says this is a significant success that has gone through the final gate of (a) spy satellite launch,” the spokesman said, adding that preparations would be completed by September. Private.
Rodong SinmunThe official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, published two black and white photos that appeared to show South Korea seen from space.
The development of a military reconnaissance satellite is one of Pyongyang’s key defense projects outlined by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year.
Pyongyang carried out two launches earlier this year, claiming it was testing components of a spy satellite, which the United States and South Korea say could potentially involve missile components. new intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-17.
On Thursday, North Korea tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel engine” at the Sohae launch site, which analysts say would allow for a faster and more maneuverable ballistic missile launch.
All of Pyongyang’s known ICBMs are liquid-fuelled, and a solid-fuel ICBM that can be launched from land or from a submarine was on Kim’s wish list revealed last year.
Kim, who has doubled down on his banned weapons programs since nuclear talks collapsed in 2019, said this year he wants North Korea to have the most powerful nuclear force in the world and declared declared his country an “irreversible” nuclear state.
The United States and South Korea have warned for months that Pyongyang is preparing to conduct a seventh nuclear test.
North Korea under many UN Security Council sanctions on nuclear and missile activities since 2006.
Report to a later date Seoul Army said they detected launches by Pyongyang of two intermediate-range ballistic missiles, North Korea’s latest test in a year of unprecedented weapons testing.
Analysts say the development of such a satellite would give North Korea the cover to test a banned intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), as the two countries share many of the same technologies.
A spokesman for North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Agency (NADA) said the launches were “an important test in the final stage for the development of (a) reconnaissance satellites”.
Conducted from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Tongchang-ri, Sunday’s test confirmed “key technical indicators” including space camera performance, data processing and transmission capabilities. of communication devices.
State media also said the “prototype” satellite carrier – consisting of a camera, image receiver and transmitter, control unit and battery – reached an altitude of 500 kilometers (311 miles) when fired. at a high angle.
“NADA says this is a significant success that has gone through the final gate of (a) spy satellite launch,” the spokesman said, adding that preparations would be completed by September. Private.
Rodong SinmunThe official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, published two black and white photos that appeared to show South Korea seen from space.
The development of a military reconnaissance satellite is one of Pyongyang’s key defense projects outlined by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year.
Pyongyang carried out two launches earlier this year, claiming it was testing components of a spy satellite, which the United States and South Korea say could potentially involve missile components. new intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-17.
On Thursday, North Korea tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel engine” at the Sohae launch site, which analysts say would allow for a faster and more maneuverable ballistic missile launch.
All of Pyongyang’s known ICBMs are liquid-fuelled, and a solid-fuel ICBM that can be launched from land or from a submarine was on Kim’s wish list revealed last year.
Kim, who has doubled down on his banned weapons programs since nuclear talks collapsed in 2019, said this year he wants North Korea to have the most powerful nuclear force in the world and declared declared his country an “irreversible” nuclear state.
The United States and South Korea have warned for months that Pyongyang is preparing to conduct a seventh nuclear test.
North Korea under many UN Security Council sanctions on nuclear and missile activities since 2006.
