North Korea launches first spy satellite, vows further space missions
North Korea has announced that it successfully put its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit late Tuesday and vowed to launch further missions to defend itself from what it characterized as hostile military activities by its enemies.
The launch, which involved a new carrier rocket called Chollima-1, was confirmed by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday. The report stated that the spacecraft was launched for the purpose of strengthening North Korea’s right to self-defense.
While South Korea, the United States, and Japan have not been able to confirm the satellite’s successful entry into orbit, South Korea has called the launch a “clear violation” of a UN Security Council resolution and has partially suspended its agreement with North Korea to limit surveillance activities along the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
The launch of the rocket carrying the satellite was tracked by Aegis destroyers from South Korea, the US, and Japan, with information about the launch being comprehensively analyzed. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the launch, stating that it posed a serious threat to the safety of people in Japan.
Despite two failed attempts in the past, North Korea has been persistently pursuing its satellite program, with the latest announcement indicating further plans to launch additional reconnaissance satellites to “secure the capability to reconnoiter the south Korean region.”
Analysts have pointed out that if the satellite works, it could significantly enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, improving its ability to target adversaries and bolstering its command, control, and communications capabilities. However, others have cautioned that the true capabilities of the satellite remain to be seen.
Furthermore, speculation about Russia’s assistance to North Korea in resolving rocket engine issues ahead of the successful launch has been met with skepticism, with analysts suggesting that the North Koreans themselves are remarkably capable in their space program.
The launch of Malligyong-1 has heightened already tense relations between North Korea and its neighboring countries, prompting concerns about potential security implications in the region.