An expert analysis released today of satellite photos shows an increase in activity at the North Korean space launch base in Sohae, which leader Kim Jong-un recently urged to modernize to launch larger rockets.
Photos taken between March 22 and 31 from Sohae (northwest of the country) show that a series of materials stacked on the outside of the launch track have been gradually moved to a processing building, according to the analysis carried out by specialized website 38 North.
“These materials are surely associated with Kim (Jong-un)'s order to rebuild and expand facilities related to the 'general assembly' of rockets,” the analysts explain.
During his visit in early March, the leader urged modernization and expansion of the launch area, the general assembly and fuel injection and supply facilities, or the launch control center “to allow the launch of larger carrier rockets” and deploy new reconnaissance satellites.
The United States has denounced that, under the excuse of putting satellites into orbit, North Korea plans a space launch that will serve to test technology typical of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), as it has done on previous occasions.
In today's text 38 North states that “completing all these improvements will likely take considerable time, as it will take time to manufacture and bring in specialized components” and that “it is not clear whether this new activity is related to the overall improvement plan or are short-term measures for the launch of a satellite”.
However, analysts also noted an increase in the number of vehicles in the administrative and security area and in the one used to accommodate important visitors.
“This type of activity has previously been observed in the run-up to satellite launches, with a view to preparing or inspecting these accommodations for VIP visitors,” adds his analysis.
North Korea, which remains totally isolated by the pandemic and with no signs of opening up abroad soon, approved in January 2021 a five-year plan for weapons modernization that is behind the recent increase in shell tests (12 since the beginning of the year, a record number).
In addition to launching its first ICBM since 2017 last week, satellite images suggest that the regime could soon test a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and that it could detonate an atomic device again for the first time in five years.
(With information from EFE)
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