North Korea holds tests for reconnaissance satellite

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – North Korea held preparatory tests for the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite, possibly early next year.

The tests were held on Sunday with Pyongyang firing two medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM) from Tongchang-ri areas into the East Sea, according to South Korea.

In its latest defense-related development, Pyongyang said it conducted an “important final-stage test at its rocket launching facility on putting a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit, with a plan to complete preparations for the project by April next year,” Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported.

It added the test was conducted at Sohae Satellite Launching Ground to "evaluate the capabilities of satellite photography and data transmission system and ground control system.”

Pyongyang’s National Aerospace Development Administration confirmed it launched a “test-piece satellite” at a lofted angle to an altitude of 500 kilometers (310 miles).

“North Korea will finish the preparations for the first military reconnaissance satellite by April 2023,” said the administration.

“The latest test was the final gateway process for the launch of such a satellite.”

Last week, Pyongyang said it had conducted a "successful test" of a high-thrust solid-fuel motor, describing it as a new "strategic weapon" and the country's first of its kind.

The latest claim comes more than a month after North Korea launched dozens of missiles and projectiles amid joint military exercises conducted by the US and South Korea in the region.

Pyongyang’s testing of new weapons and related defense equipment comes amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.