In a bold move on Tuesday night, North Korea announced the successful launch of its first spy satellite, named “Malligyong-1,” using the newly developed carrier rocket “Chollima-1.” The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the satellite had been placed into orbit, marking a significant milestone for the secretive nation’s space program.
According to the KCNA, the satellite launch is a legitimate right exercised by North Korea to enhance its self-defense capabilities. Analysts suggest that if the spacecraft functions as intended, it could substantially improve North Korea’s military capabilities, offering enhanced command, control, communications, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities.
South Korea, the United States, and Japan, nations already experiencing heightened military tensions with North Korea, have not independently confirmed the successful satellite launch. However, South Korea denounced the launch as a “clear violation” of a UN Security Council resolution prohibiting North Korea from utilizing ballistic missile technology.
As a response to the satellite launch, the South Korean government partially suspended an agreement that limited its reconnaissance and surveillance activities along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two countries. The rocket carrying the satellite reportedly passed over Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, leading to condemnation from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who called it a “serious situation affecting the safety” of Japan.
This marks North Korea’s third attempt to place a satellite into orbit. Previous attempts in May and August encountered technical issues, resulting in mission failure. Despite these setbacks, North Korea’s determination to pursue a spy satellite program has been emphasized as a legitimate right by the country’s officials.
Analysts suggest that even a single satellite in orbit could significantly boost North Korea’s military posture. Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, stated that if the satellite works, it would improve North Korea’s ability to command its forces and enhance its military targeting capabilities.
While some speculate that North Korea may have received assistance from Russia in resolving technical issues with its rocket engines, others remain cautious about making assumptions. Ankit Panda, a nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted that it is unclear whether North Korea has already implemented technical assistance from Russia.
As tensions rise in the region, North Korea has vowed to launch more satellites in the future, citing the need to defend against perceived threats from its adversaries, including the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The successful launch of Malligyong-1 has sparked concerns about the potential strengthening of North Korea’s military capabilities and its impact on regional stability.