The space race between North and South Korea continues. Since the launch of its first spy satellite, Pyongyang has managed to produce a second one. The first satellite is still in operation, but the launch of the second satellite, using a new type of rocket, was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the journey has begun, and will continue.

The road to the second launch

Readers may recall that on November 21, 2023, the DPRK launched its first reconnaissance satellite, Mallygyong-1. Three more such satellites are scheduled for launch this year.

On February 27, 2024, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said that North Korea could launch a second military spy satellite as early as March, and that, as for the first one, it “is currently in orbit. But it is not showing any signs of performing tasks or engaging in reconnaissance activities.” He attributed the likely improvement in their capabilities and the satellite’s potential to the input of Russian technology: “It is likely that Russia is providing North Korea with technological assistance.”

The Japanese government also expressed the view that North Korea might launch its second reconnaissance satellite in March 2024, in view of South Korea’s plans to launch its own satellite in April and thus carry out provocations ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections.

On the same day a number of experts in the field said that the North Korean reconnaissance satellite was “alive” and had begun maneuvers.

On March 11, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun quoted an unnamed aerospace technology expert, who said they “believed the satellite was under Pyongyang’s control.” This is suggested not only by its maneuver to adjust its orbital altitude but also by its regular and precise appearance over certain strategic sites in the region (at intervals of about once every 5 days).

On April 1, 2024, Park Kyong Su, deputy director of North Korea’s National Aerospace Technology Administration, stated in an interview with KCNA that the launch of the Mallygyong-1 reconnaissance satellite had significantly improved North Korea’s defense capabilities, and that more launches are planned for 2024.

Speaking about the development of the industry as a whole, Park pointed out that North Korean higher education institutions now have space faculties and departments specializing in such fields as space surveillance and satellite communications, and research institutes and laboratories are working on satellite development.

On April 24 General Stephen Whiting, commander of US Space Command, stated that North Korea’s satellite launch violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and that preparations for additional launches are being closely monitored. He made his........

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