North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a military satellite station on Tuesday, according to state media KCNA. He has approved the next steps of the plan to launch North Korea’s first military intelligence satellite. The non-permanent satellite-launching preparatory committee is responsible for the launch, but KCNA did not provide details on when the launch is scheduled. Kim said launching the satellite is an urgent requirement for the country’s security environment.
Earlier this year, KCNA reported that Pyongyang had completed building its first military spy satellite, and Kim had urged final preparations for the launch to speed up. Activity at the launch pad area at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station has resumed after a half-year hiatus, according to 38 North, a U.S.-based North Korea monitoring project. However, much remains to be done for a satellite launch to be undertaken.
Rohit is a journalist with a passion for world affairs and a love for football. Follow him on Twitter at @heis_rohit.
