North Korea claimed on Wednesday to have successfully placed its first spy satellite, named Malligyong-1, into orbit. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the satellite was launched late Tuesday on a new carrier rocket, the Chollima-1.
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This has prompted concerns among analysts and countries, with South Korea, the United States, and Japan expressing worry about regional security.
This follows two previous unsuccessful attempts by North Korea to launch a satellite into orbit earlier this year. In May, the second stage of the rocket malfunctioned, causing it to crash into the sea.
In August, an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight led to the rocket breaking into multiple parts.
Despite these setbacks, North Korea persisted in its efforts, culminating in the successful launch on Tuesday night.
The Country defended its actions, that the launch of a reconnaissance satellite is its legal right and a measure to strengthen its self-defense capabilities.
However, South Korea, the United States, and Japan have expressed worries military applications of this satellite technology.
South Korea labeled the launch a clear violation of a UN Security Council resolution that prohibits North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.
The South Korean government suspended an agreement with North Korea that limited its reconnaissance activities along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two countries.
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Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the launch, describing it as a serious situation that affects the safety of people in Japan.
Meanwhile, the United States, South Korea, and Japan condemned Country’s use of ballistic missile technology, a violation of international sanctions.
The United Nations, the U.S., and other countries have condemned Country’s missile and nuclear programs, imposing sanctions to deter its military advancements. This latest launch escalates tensions in the region, prompting concerns about the existing sanctions.
South Korea’s Defense Minister Shin Won-sik previously mentioned that North Korea was believed to have received assistance from Russia in resolving its rocket engine issues.
This followed leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia in September, where he discussed space and satellite technology with President Vladimir Putin.
While some experts doubt that Russia’s assistance played a decisive role in the recent successful launch, concerns have been about the collaboration between North Korea and Russia, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While the country claims that Malligyong-1 is a military reconnaissance satellite, some analysts remain skeptical about its actual capabilities.
The satellite’s size, power source, and imaging resolution are unclear, leading to questions about its military reconnaissance.
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Vann Van Diepen, a former U.S. government weapons expert, suggests that the satellite is likely small and solar-powered, providing only low-resolution imagery.
However, even a relatively low-resolution satellite could offer advantages, allowing the country to monitor large troop movements.
South Korea has suspended parts of the 2018 Military Agreement, signaling a deterioration in inter-Korean relations.
The agreement, aimed at reducing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, included measures such as no-fly zones.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated that the actions demonstrate a lack of intention to abide by the military agreement, leading South Korea to restore reconnaissance and surveillance activities along the DMZ.
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan have been strengthening their security ties in response to North Korea’s provocations.
The recent launch adds to these efforts, with concerns about the potential for North Korea to use satellite technology to enhance its military capabilities.
International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have warned about the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia.
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