North Korea launched a military spy satellite, named ‘Malligyong-1’, but it crashed into the sea soon after due to an abnormal engine start during its flight, according to state media. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has prioritized the development of a military spy satellite and personally supervised launch preparations. The rocket, named ‘Cheollima-1’, lost momentum and crashed into the West Sea of Korea after the abnormal start-up of its two-stage engine following the separation of the first stage.
North Korean authorities stated that they would thoroughly investigate the defects revealed during the satellite launch and take urgent measures to overcome them, with the intention of conducting a second launch as soon as possible. The launch was strongly criticized by Tokyo and Seoul, as it violated UN sanctions prohibiting Pyongyang from conducting tests involving ballistic missile technology.
Analysts suggest that developing satellite launch capabilities could provide North Korea with cover for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as the technology overlaps with long-range rockets and space launchers. Following the launch, an emergency text message alert was mistakenly issued in Seoul, causing confusion among residents. Experts believe that this launch could be a precursor to further provocations by North Korea, potentially including a long-speculated nuclear test.
North Korea has previously launched satellites, but many of them failed or malfunctioned. The country claims that its new spy satellite is essential for tracking and monitoring the military activities of the United States and its allies. The international community views such launches as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Since diplomatic efforts collapsed in 2019, North Korea has intensified its military development, conducting multiple weapons tests, including the test-firing of ICBMs.
