News Desk
ISLAMABAD/SEOUL: Belligerent North Korea conducted an “important and final phase” test on Sunday for developing a spy satellite, which is likely to be completed by April 2023, according to state media KCNA.
The report about the spy satellite came a day after South Korea and Japan said that North’s launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward their east coast.
Spy Satellite test
According to KCNA, North Korea conducted the test the Sohae satellite launching station in the northwest to review its ability of satellite imaging, data transmission and ground control systems
A vehicle carrying a mock satellite with multiple cameras, image transmitters and receivers, a storage battery and a control device was fired at the ‘lofted angle’ of 500 kilometres.
A NADA spokesperson said that they confirmed vital technical indicators including camera operating technology in the data processing, space environment and transmission ability of the communication devices, and tracking and control accuracy of the ground control system.
The spokesperson termed the test a final gateway process of launching a reconnaissance satellite that would be completed by April.
KCNA news agency also released two black-and-white, low-resolution pictures of Seoul and the nearby port city of Incheon that it said were taken during Sunday’s launch.
North Korea has conducted unprecedented missile tests recently including an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to reach the US.
On Friday, the North tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine which experts said would facilitate the quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles, as it seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speed up its nuclear and missile programmes.
