North Korea plans to launch a test flight of its 'spy satellite' by 2023
December 20, 2022 By Monica Green
(Image Credit Google)
North Korea is reportedly planning to launch a spy satellite into orbit by April 2023, according to state media. Following what the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) referred to as a "essential, last phase" test launch of a rocket before the project moves forward, the plans were made public on Monday, Dec.
According to a spokesperson for the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA), the test validated critical technical aspects relating to the operation of cameras in space, the data processing and transmission capabilities of communication devices, and the precision of tracking and control provided by the ground control system, among other things.
Along with the declaration, North Korea also made Seoul and Incheon in South Korea visible in images that it claims were taken during a test to evaluate the satellite's capability for image processing.
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According to
Space.com, the proclamation was made the day after the National Security Council of South Korea denounced North Korea for launching two ballistic missiles on December 18th.
Although the military leadership of South Korea asserted that North Koreaf launched its ballistic missiles at acute angles and that they fell from heights of 340 miles (550 kilometres) before touching down in the East Sea, it is unclear whether those missile launches were connected to the alleged satellite launch vehicle.
Both occurrences seem to have included the use of so-called lofted trajectories, which entail shooting missiles virtually vertically. These test vehicles, according to Space.com, may travel great distances along this path and still land near to where they took off.
Additionally,
North Korea has successfully tested a new high-thrust motor, making its ICBMs more mobile and undetectable.
Following the establishment of the United States Space Force, also known as US Space Forces Korea, in South Korea, the North announced the launch of a spy satellite.
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Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of US Forces Korea, said that the new command's goals are to defend homelands and uphold stability on the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia.
Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion stated in a
statement: "Just 48 miles north of us exists an existential threat; a threat that we must be prepared to avoid, defend against, and - if forced - defeat."
North Korea launched a record-breaking 23 missiles on November 2, the majority of which were fired into the ocean. It tested its most potent ballistic missile the following day, but it was unsuccessful.