Construction at a key missile-launching station in the country’s far-east has hit a “new level of urgency,” most likely in preparation for a launch, a U.S.-based think tank said in a report citing commercial satellite imagery. The site, part of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Tongchang-ri, has had a long hiatus between launches. Still, activity is picking up, according to 38 North, which analyses satellite imagery. The activity includes razing the old General Satellite Control and Command Center, erecting a new facility immediately west of that, a tunnel or underground facility, and an extensive support area.
The North is also reportedly nearing completion of a new spacecraft that can be used to put an earth observation satellite into orbit. It is the latest in a series of such efforts by the reclusive nation, which analysts say are meant to advance surveillance technology and improve its ability to strike targets if it is involved in a conflict with its neighbors or the United States.
During a visit to the country’s aerospace agency Tuesday, Kim inspected the progress of preparations for the launch of the military reconnaissance satellite, state media reported. He gave field guidance to the committee and urged that final preparation be accelerated, KCNA quoted him as saying. He added that acquiring an operational spy satellite is essential for the country’s defense against hostile moves by “U.S. imperialists and [South] Korean puppet villains.”
A North Korean newspaper published photographs of the trip that showed Kim and his daughter, both wearing white lab coats, speaking with scientists near an object that appeared to be the main component of a rocket. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper did not identify the object or provide further details, but the photographs sparked speculation that the launch could be imminent.
An entourage, including senior officials, accompanied Kim, the newspaper said. It was the first time he had visited the aerospace agency since April, when he announced the completion of the spy satellite’s construction and ordered the pace of final preparations for its launch to be expedited. The 28-day gap is one of the most extended gaps in the leader’s public appearances this year.
Commercial satellite images taken over the weekend and on Monday show that work is continuing rapidly, though there are signs of wear and tear in the facilities, 38 North said. The website warned that if the North decides to conduct a launch, it will most likely inform international maritime and telecommunication authorities of its plans ahead of time. Earlier this month, KCNA quoted an unnamed official saying the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite would gather intelligence on U.S. military assets in the South but not the mainland U.S., which the North has previously threatened to target with short-range ballistic missiles. Such a mission would clearly violate U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1874 and 1925.
