North Korea’s spy satellite: Amid rising tensions with South Korea and the United States, North Korea’s attempt to launch the country’s first ‘spy satellite’ into space failed on Wednesday as it crashed into the sea. According to reports, this is a major setback for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to enhance his military capabilities.
The newly developed Chollima-1 rocket, carrying the Malligyeong-1 satellite, was launched from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in the north at 6:37 am. The rocket reportedly crashed off the west coast of the Korean peninsula after losing thrust following the separation of its first and second stages.
Meanwhile, North Korea, in an unusually swift admission of failure, promised to conduct a second launch after learning what went wrong with its rocket liftoff.
North Korea vows to launch second satellite soon
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the country’s space agency will investigate the flaws found in the launch, take immediate steps to eliminate them and conduct a second launch as soon as possible through various part tests.
“It is impressive when the North Korean regime actually admits failure, but it would be difficult to hide the fact of a satellite launch failure internationally, and the regime would likely present a different narrative domestically,” said Leif-Erik, a professor at the Iwa. Islay Seoul University said.
Seoul’s military said it increased military readiness in coordination with the United States, and Japan said it was ready to respond to any emergency. Following the launch, South Korea and Japan briefly advised local residents to take shelter.
Read also: North Korea claims its ballistic missile launch simulated ‘nuclear strike’ against South Korea
North Korea’s rocket made ‘unusual flight’
South Korea’s military said the North Korean rocket had an “abnormal flight” before hitting the water. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that it did not appear that any object had reached space.
However, the South Korean military said it was retrieving an object believed to be part of a crashed North Korean rocket in water 200 km west of the southwestern island of Iochongdo. Later, the Ministry of Defense released photographs of a white, metallic cylinder that was described as a suspected rocket part.
Read also: North Korea: Kim Jong Un tests nuclear capable undersea drone
It must be mentioned here that a satellite launch by North Korea is a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit the country from conducting any launch based on ballistic technology. Observers say North Korea’s previous satellite launches helped improve its long-range missile technology, although the latest launch was likely more focused on deploying a spy satellite.
(with AP inputs)