North Korea has released satellite images of the South Korean cities of Seoul and Incheon, presumed to have been taken during the tests.
North Korean state media reported that North Korea has conducted a “critical final stage” test in the development of a military reconnaissance satellite, which is expected to be completed by April 2023.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday that North Korea’s state aerospace agency conducted a test on Sunday at the country’s Sohae satellite launch station in Chorsan, North Pyongan Province.
A rocket carrying what it called a “test piece satellite” containing multiple cameras, image transmitters and receivers, controllers, and storage batteries was launched at a “loft angle” to an altitude of 500 km (311 miles). According to KCNA.
KCNA said the test was designed to check satellite imaging capabilities, data transmission and ground control systems.
“Important technical indicators have been confirmed, including camera operation technology in the space environment, data processing and transmission capabilities of communication equipment, and the accuracy of tracking and control of the ground control system,” a North Korean aerospace spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. A North Korean aerospace spokesperson said in a KCNA dispatch.
North Korea plans to complete “the preparation of its first military reconnaissance satellite by April 2023,” a senior official said in a KCNA report.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on Monday that KCNA has released satellite images of Seoul and neighboring Incheon, the South Korean capital.
🆕 Just In: North Korea says yesterday’s rocket launch was part of a test of a military reconnaissance satellite. His two pages in Monday’s Rodong Sinmun included images of the launch and a satellite photo of central Seoul. (continuation) pic.twitter.com/UUjS8WryX8
— Martin Williams (@martyn_williams) December 18, 2022
On Sunday, North Korea also launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles that landed in the waters off the country’s east coast after flying an estimated 500 kilometers (311 miles). On Friday, North Korea announced it had tested a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine that experts said would facilitate faster and more maneuverable launches of ballistic missile weapons.
At an emergency meeting on Sunday, South Korea’s top security officials said North Korea’s continued provocations had taken place despite “the plight of its citizens moaning with hunger and cold due to severe food shortages.” I lamented that I said
South Korea will respond by stepping up trilateral security cooperation with the United States and Japan, according to South Korea’s presidential office.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to develop high-tech weapons, including spy satellites and tactical nuclear weapons, as a means of deterring military actions by the United States and regional allies South Korea and Japan and providing real-time intelligence. . He claims he is threatening his country.
North Korea launched an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles this year, including the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) dubbed the “Monster Missile” in defiance of international sanctions.
On Friday, the Japanese government adopted a National Security Strategy that would allow it to carry out a preemptive strike, double its military spending and build a more aggressive footing against threats from China and North Korea.
This strategy marks a major departure from Japan’s rigid, self-defense-only military posture after World War II. Japan’s strategy calls China “the greatest strategic challenge” to Japan’s efforts to ensure peace, security and stability, ahead of North Korea and Russia.
Japan’s defense ministry also said on Sunday it had spotted a fleet of five Chinese warships, including an aircraft carrier, off Oki-Daito Island the day before. It said it was engaged in training and Japan responded by scrambling fighter jets and sending destroyers to the area.
