North Korean satellite wasn’t advanced enough to conduct reconnaissance from space, Seoul says

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Seoul: North Korean Satellite Lacked Advanced Reconnaissance Capabilities, Says South Korea

South Korea’s military announced on Wednesday that the satellite launched by North Korea, which failed to reach orbit, did not possess the advanced capabilities for conducting military reconnaissance from space as claimed by Pyongyang. After recovering and analyzing the wreckage, South Korea refuted North Korea’s assertions regarding the satellite’s purpose.

In late May, North Korea attempted to launch its inaugural spy satellite, but the long-range rocket carrying it veered off course and plunged into the waters off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula shortly after liftoff. The satellite was intended to form part of North Korea’s space-based reconnaissance system, which it alleges is necessary to counter the escalating security threats from South Korea and the United States.

Over a period of 36 days, South Korea mobilized navy vessels, aircraft, and divers to retrieve the debris from the rocket and satellite. The joint effort between South Korean and U.S. experts yielded the recovery of “numerous” and “key” components. Following the examination, it was determined that the satellite was entirely incapable of conducting military reconnaissance operations, according to a statement by the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

North Korea has not yet responded to South Korea’s announcement.

On the day of the failed launch, North Korea’s state media reported that the rocket lost thrust after the separation of its first and second stages, resulting in its crash into the sea. During a ruling party meeting in the previous month, North Korea deemed the unsuccessful launch as the most significant setback of the year and harshly criticized those responsible.

High-ranking North Korean officials have repeatedly pledged to make a second launch attempt after identifying the reasons behind the initial failure.

Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, has emphasized the importance of acquiring a military spy satellite to bolster the country’s defense capabilities. He has also expressed the need to introduce other advanced weapons systems, such as multi-warhead nuclear missiles, solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear-powered submarines.

Prior to the failed satellite launch, North Korea had conducted a satellite test and released images purportedly showing South Korean cities as seen from space. However, some civilian experts argued that the photos were too rudimentary for surveillance purposes, suggesting they were only capable of identifying large targets like warships at sea or military installations on the ground.

In response to skepticism, North Korea dismissed the need for a sophisticated camera during a single test.

The United States, South Korea, and other nations condemned North Korea’s rocket launch, deeming it a security risk and a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting the country’s use of ballistic missile technology. However, the prospect of further sanctions is unlikely due to opposition from permanent Security Council members, Russia and China.

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• South Korea says North Korean satellite wasn’t advanced enough for military reconnaissance
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• United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea
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• South Korea’s response to the failed satellite launch
• Kim Jong Un’s statements on defense capabilities