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North Korea declares successful launch of spy satellite
A rocket carrying a spy satellite Malligyong-1 is launched, as North Korean government claims, in a location given as North Gyeongsang Province, North Korea in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on November 21, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
North Korea announced on Tuesday that it had successfully launched it’s spy satellite into space and promises to continue with launches despite strong objections, from the US and its allies.
The exact location of the satellite in orbit remained unknown as initial reports from South Korea and Japan were unable to confirm it. The US military, represented by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated that they were still assessing the success of the launch.
In response to North Koreas announcement, South Korea expressed its intention to suspend elements of a 2018 Korean agreement aimed at reducing military tensions. To achieve this, reinstating surveillance and reconnaissance activities near the border between the two nations would be necessary.
According to North Koreas official news agency KCNA the Malligyong 1 satellite was launched aboard a Chollima 1 rocket from the Sohae satellite launch facility at 10:42 p.m. (1342 GMT) successfully entered orbit at 10:54 p.m. (1354 GMT).
This marks North Korea’s first launch since Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September (and third in recent months) and pledged support for satellite development. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson, for the US National Security Council condemned this launch as a ” violation” of UN Security Council resolutions.
The launch received criticism from the U.S. State Department claiming that North Korea violated U.N. Resolutions by using missile technology. According to North Koreas KCNA Kim Jong Un personally witnessed the launch emphasizing their right to strengthen their defences.
In over a week, South Korea is planning to send its first spy satellite into orbit through a Falcon 9 rocket operated by the American company Space X. North Korea’s space agency also intends to launch multiple spy satellites in order to enhance it’s surveillance capabilities.
Despite South Koreas efforts to recover debris from a launch experts remain uncertain about the status of North Koreas satellites. This recent launch could potentially allow them to monitor Japanese American forces from a distance, which might influence military strategies in the region.
Japan issued emergency alerts advising Okinawa residents to seek shelter. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned North Koreas actions as violations of UN resolutions and threats, to citizens security.
South Korea, Japan and the United States had worked together to prepare for defence, which involved monitoring the rocket launch using positioned Aegis destroyers. However, it should be noted that Japan refrained from taking any action to destroy the rocket.
