Seoul Captured by North Korean Satellite... Triangular Area with Presidential Office at Samgakji 'Blurry'

Low Resolution in Black and White Photos Makes Them Inadequate for Classification as Satellite Images

On the 18th, the National Aerospace Development Administration of North Korea conducted a crucial final-stage test for reconnaissance satellite development at the Dongchang-ri West Sea Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Pyongan Province, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 19th. The photo was taken by North Korea from the satellite test payload and shows the Samgakji area where the Yongsan Presidential Office is located. 2022.12.19 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist] North Korea has released reconnaissance satellite images, but the technical level is considered poor to realistically be regarded as reconnaissance satellite photos. This assessment is based on the absence of snow in the images and the lack of established ground facilities.

On the 19th, North Korea released photos of Seoul and Incheon Port, claiming they were taken by a "reconnaissance satellite test product." The photos include areas around the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, Han River bridges, and the Incheon Songdo Central Park area.

North Korea stated that the test was conducted using a "satellite test product equipped with one 20m resolution test full-color camera, two multispectral cameras, a video transmitter, transceivers for each band, control devices, and storage batteries," indicating that the photos were taken with these devices.

However, all the photos are black and white, and when zoomed in, even the Yongsan Samgakji area is barely visible. It is practically difficult to consider these as satellite images. They are also ineffective as Earth observation satellite images.

Additionally, it is known that North Korea does not have a ground observation center to verify the satellite's operation in the space environment. Although they claimed to have verified various indicators under "space environment conditions" during this test, it is practically impossible without ground facilities. This implies that only observations at the stage before the satellite exits the atmosphere were possible.

Some speculate that the photos released by North Korea might be manipulated. According to meteorological observations, although it recently snowed in Dongchang-ri, the mountains visible in the background behind the carrier vehicle were not covered with snow. The Seoul area shown in the North Korean photos also had almost no snow.

The photos released by North Korea, claiming to show the test launch scene, included images of liquid propellant. Experts suggest, based on the color and shape of the exhaust flame and the missile shape, that it is likely the body of a Nodong missile using conventional liquid fuel.

Shin Jong-woo, Secretary General of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, analyzed, "Considering the shape of the carrier, the exhaust flame, and the trajectory, it appears that a Nodong missile was used in the reconnaissance satellite test claimed by North Korea."

North Korea's emphasis on satellite launches is also interpreted as an attempt to showcase their intelligence capabilities. It reveals their intention to establish a so-called "North Korean version of the three-axis system" consisting of tactical nuclear weapons, strategic nuclear weapons, and reconnaissance satellites.

North Korea presented "military reconnaissance satellite operation" as a task at the 8th Party Congress last January. The spokesperson for the Space Development Bureau described this reconnaissance satellite development test as an "important final-stage test," suggesting that the development process they aimed for is in its final stages.

Hong Min, Director of the North Korea Research Office, analyzed, "Through a series of experiments, they have declared that they have completed the technical preparations that will form the foundation for the reconnaissance satellite development task announced at the 8th Party Congress," adding, "North Korea was likely motivated to develop the first independent reconnaissance satellite that will serve as the 'eyes of the South Korean military.'"