North Korea appears to be preparing to launch its 2nd spy satellite, South Korean military says
South Korea's military says North Korea appears to be preparing to launch its second military spy satellite into space
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea appears to be preparing to launch its second military spy satellite into space, South Korea’s military said Friday, as animosities remain high over the North’s continued weapons tests.
Last November, North Korea placed its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit as part of its efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to deal with what it calls U.S.-led military threats. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later told a key governing party meeting that his country would launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
On Friday, South Korea’s military told local reporters at a background briefing that it detected signs that North Korea is engaging in activities believed to be preparations to launch a spy satellite at its main Tongchangri launch facility in the northwest. The military said South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring the North Korean moves.
The contents of the briefing were shared with foreign media outlets including The Associated Press. The South Korean military didn’t immediately explain exactly what North Korean activities were spotted in the Tongchangri area.
