Late in the evening on November 21, North Korea surprised the world with its successful launch of a military spy satellite. The launch, which occurred an hour earlier than the officially announced time of midnight, left many puzzled about the motive behind the false start. Speculation suggests that North Korea may have been attempting to outsmart Japan, the United States, and South Korea, who were closely monitoring the situation. Despite the confusion surrounding the launch, the Korean Central News Agency promptly reported it as a success.
Initially, Japan, the United States, and South Korea were unable to confirm if the satellite had entered orbit. However, they later verified the satellite’s successful placement in orbit after observing satellite images of American military bases on Guam and other locations. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to assert North Korea’s new spy satellite capability, which he claimed would enable precision strikes with nuclear missiles.
North Korea’s satellite development policy was outlined in the five-year plan for the development of defense science and the weapon system, adopted by the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in January 2021. Although Kim had instructed the launch to take place within the shortest period possible back in December 2022, it was only achieved after two failed attempts and nearly a year of preparation. Kim’s personal interest in spy satellites became evident through his repeated on-site instructions.
The involvement of Kim’s daughter in this significant event also raised eyebrows. Often described as the Supreme Leader’s beloved daughter, she attended the celebratory banquet that followed the successful launch. The banquet, held at Pyongyang’s luxurious Mokran Pavilion, marked its first use for arms development in six years, indicating the importance of the satellite launch similar to the 2017 ICBM launch.
While it is premature to conclude whether Kim’s daughter is being groomed as his successor, her increasing presence in public suggests she holds a special place in North Korea’s future leadership plans. These visits may serve to establish a revolutionary history for Kim’s daughter, highlighting her contributions to the development of military spy satellites.
However, launching a satellite into orbit is just the first step in building a reliable spy satellite system. Multiple satellites need to be deployed to provide useful intelligence. For instance, Japan operates more than ten spy satellites. Nonetheless, North Korea’s steady progress in technological innovation amid extreme poverty demands attention and must be taken seriously.
The role of Russia in North Korea’s satellite development raises questions. Following the visit of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to North Korea in July, the two countries held a summit meeting in September. This summit, held at a spaceport in the Russian Far East, suggests potential technological assistance provided by Russia. Although there is no official confirmation of a military agreement between the two nations, the circumstances hint at a collaboration.
It is important to note that Russia did not provide North Korea with COVID-19 vaccines, despite the latter’s desperate need. Moscow’s hesitation to assist North Korea in that regard may stem from a perceived inequality between the two countries. Nevertheless, Kim proudly declared that North Korea achieved its latest launch through its own efforts and technological ability.
While North Korea celebrates its successful satellite launch, the country still has a long way to go before its spy satellite capabilities are fully operational. Despite the challenges, North Korea’s perseverance in technological advancement, coupled with its authoritarian regime, demands serious attention from the international community. The world must remain vigilant as North Korea continues to make progress in its military ambitions.
