According to Beyond Parallel, there are indications that North Korea had prepared for an additional military reconnaissance satellite launch this year but then canceled it, as reported on the 16th (local time).
The media analyzed satellite images taken by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) of the VIP observation facility and the security headquarters within the West Sea Satellite Launch Site in Cholsan County, Pyonganbuk-do, North Korea, on the 8th and 10th.
The media reported, “In the photo taken on the 8th, there were three vehicles at the VIP observation facility,” and analyzed them as communication, broadcasting, remote measurement, and tracking vehicles for the launch of the military reconnaissance satellite.
The media also added, “Ten vehicles were also arranged in the courtyard of the security headquarters. Such extensive vehicle activity is rare, indicating that North Korea was planning a satellite launch around this time.”
However, in the photo taken on the 10th, the number of vehicles at the VIP observation facility had reduced to one, and the cars at the security headquarters had disappeared.
In response, the media suggested, “This indicates that North Korea had prepared for a satellite launch but postponed it for an unknown reason. The fact that a single vehicle is still stationed at the VIP observation facility implies that preparations for a launch are still ongoing.”
Earlier, our military authorities had predicted that North Korea would launch an additional military reconnaissance satellite within this month.
On the 8th, Defense Minister Shin Won Sik said regarding the expected timing of North Korea’s military reconnaissance satellite launch, “Initially, we were closely monitoring as North Korea was expected to launch a reconnaissance satellite in March, but it seems to be making a few additional adjustments. If the current technical adjustments proceed without major issues, there is a high possibility of a launch in mid-April.”
After successfully launching the first military reconnaissance satellite, Malligyong-1, last November, North Korea announced that it would launch three more reconnaissance satellites this year.
