New activity was detected at the West Sea Satellite Launch Site, where North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite last year. Given North Korea’s public declaration to launch a second satellite this year, the detection of activities creates speculation that the country is in preparation for the launch.
North Korean specialist media 38 North analyzed satellite images and reported on the 25th (local time) that a blue object was laid across 410.1 feet (125m) from the entrance of the launch pad to the retractable storage room in the shape of a “Y.” 38 North speculated that this object could be a tarp.
Previously, from the 1st to the 12th, a 154.2 feet (47m) long blue object was covered on both sides of the retractable storage room and then removed.
38 North emphasized that while objects presumed to be tarps were found around the launch site, this is the first time they have spotted them on the launch pad entrance. However, the exact purpose of the presumed tarpaulin remains unknown.
Previously, on the 7th, 38 North had cited satellite images and reported that signs of expansion work, such as the placement of personnel, vehicles, and materials, were detected at the West Sea Satellite Launch Site.
North Korea successfully launched its first military reconnaissance satellite, “Manrikyong 1,” on November 21 last year. It announced at the end-of-the-year meeting in December that it will launch three more this coming year. Therefore, these movements could be preparations for the launch of another reconnaissance satellite.
April is filled with major North Korean holidays and anniversaries, including Kim Il Sung’s birth date. Our military also plans to launch the second military reconnaissance satellite early next month.