North Korea claimed to have successfully placed its first spy satellite into space and vowed to launch several more in a short span of time. This demonstrates the country's determination to build a space-based surveillance system despite protracted tensions with other countries.
Controversial Rocket Launch
On the night of November 21, North Korea successfully launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. This is the third time that North Korea has attempted to establish a surveillance satellite in space. Two previous attempts were made last May and August but failed.
Earlier in the day, the country notified Japan about its plan to launch a satellite, which will take place between November 22 and December 1, but it went ahead hours later. In a notice posted by Japan's coast guard, the rocket's trajectory is expected to pass over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Parts of the rocket discarded during the launch were expected to have dropped around Japan and the Philippines into the sea.
South Korea's military detected the launch southward from the Dongchang-ri area in North Pyongan Province. Very little is known about the satellite itself, and even the claim about the successful launch could not be immediately confirmed independently. Authorities from other countries cannot also determine if the satellite's camera will be good enough to deliver high-resolution pictures of US and South Korean military installations and maneuvers.
Since 1998, North Korea has launched six satellites, but only two were placed in orbit and are still circling the planet. However, most experts believe these satellites do not transmit information to ground stations.
Experts believe putting a spy satellite in space would improve North Korea's intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially over South Korea. These capabilities could provide crucial data in any military conflict.
Response from the International Community
South Korea is aware of the launch of the military spy satellite and even noted that this action is imminent. As a response, the South Korean military warned of a stern response, which includes a partial suspension of the 2018 inter-Korean military deal.
The country had warned that it would take the "necessary measures" in the event of a launch, although it was not specified what it would be. South Korea also plans to launch its own surveillance satellite in California on November 30 using a SpaceX rocket to monitor North Korea.
Japan also condemned the launch, claiming that it was a violation of policy from the UN Security Council. According to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, even if North Korea calls it a satellite, the launch of an item that uses ballistic missile technology is a breach of the relevant UN resolutions.
The satellite launch coincides with the arrival of the US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the South Korean port of Busan. This vessel was sent to increase preparedness against missile threats from Pyongyang. The US has also been critical of North Korea's strong ties with Russia. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns, the military relationship between these two countries was "growing and dangerous."
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