North Korea Successfully Launches Spy Satellite, Claims Capability to Monitor US Military Bases in Guam
In a recent development, North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully launched a military spy satellite into orbit. The state media claims that leader Kim Jong Un is already reviewing images of US military bases in Guam sent by Pyongyang’s new eye in the sky. This comes after failed attempts in May and August, making it the third attempt this year by North Korea to put a satellite into orbit.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency, the rocket carrying the reconnaissance satellite, named ‘Malligyong-1’, blasted off late Tuesday. The report states that the satellite was accurately placed on its designated orbit. Images published by state media show Kim watching the launch and subsequently smiling and waving, surrounded by jubilant scientists and engineers.
The satellite is said to begin its reconnaissance mission on December 1, following a fine-tuning process that will last for 7 to 10 days. North Korea claims that the satellite is already transmitting images, with Kim reportedly reviewing aerospace photos of Anderson Air Force Base, Apra Harbor, and other major US military bases in Guam.
The launch has drawn strong condemnation from Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, who view it as a brazen violation of UN resolutions that prohibit North Korea from conducting tests of ballistic technology. South Korea has responded to the launch by partially suspending a 2018 military deal with the North and announcing the resumption of surveillance operations along their border.
Despite the success of the launch, it remains unclear whether the reconnaissance satellite is fully operational. South Korea’s military acknowledged that the satellite entered orbit based on flight track information and comprehensive analysis. However, it cautioned that verifying its actual functionality would require more time.
Kim Jong Un, speaking at Pyongyang’s space launch center, declared that this achievement would grant North Korea both ‘eyes’ overlooking a very long distance and a strong ‘fist’ beating a very long distance. Experts speculate that this statement may allude to North Korea’s banned intercontinental ballistic missiles, which the country claims could reach the US mainland.
While North Korea’s traditional ally China refrained from condemning the launch directly, its Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the situation complex and sensitive. China urged all parties to remain calm, act responsibly, and work towards a political resolution to ease tensions.
This satellite launch initiates a potential space race on the Korean peninsula, as South Korea plans to launch its own spy satellite via a SpaceX rocket later this month. Analysts believe that successfully deploying a spy satellite would significantly enhance North Korea’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially concerning South Korea, and provide crucial data in the event of a military conflict.
Experts note that this latest development underscores Kim Jong Un’s desire to gain a military advantage. Lim Eul-chul, an associate professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies, Kyungnam University, believes that North Korea aims to launch the first military reconnaissance satellite before South Korea does, demonstrating its supremacy in military capabilities.
It is important to note that North Korea has faced criticism for its links to Russia, with accusations of weapons shipments in exchange for technical advice on building satellites. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned this month about the growing and dangerous military ties between North Korea and Russia.
As tensions rise on the Korean peninsula, the successful satellite launch by North Korea raises concerns and highlights the continued military ambition of the regime. With both North and South Korea venturing into space, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the region into uncharted territory.
