North Strengthens Preparations for Additional Satellite Launch [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

JCS: "Increase in Vehicles and Personnel for Launch... No Imminent Signs"
US Research Institute: "Liquid Propulsion Engine Test at West Sea Launch Site Late Last Month"

It has been confirmed that North Korea is strengthening preparations for the launch of additional military reconnaissance satellites. After successfully placing the ‘Manlilkyung 1’ into orbit last November, North Korea announced plans to launch three more military reconnaissance satellites this year. A launch is likely in May.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a regular briefing on the 7th, Lee Seong-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated, "An increase in personnel and vehicles preparing for North Korea’s additional military reconnaissance satellite launches has been identified," adding, "There are indications that (engine) tests have taken place, but there are no signs that the launch is imminent."

Earlier, the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media NK News reported that, based on analysis of satellite images taken by the private satellite company Planet Labs, engine tests were conducted at North Korea’s West Sea Satellite Launch Station. Located in Dongchang-ri, Cholsan County, Pyonganbuk Province, the West Sea Satellite Launch Station is a facility where North Korea develops rockets that can be repurposed for long-range missiles. The media reported that between April 21 and 26, vegetation beneath the vertical engine test stand at the launch site was dead, which was analyzed as exposure to intense heat and chemicals released during prolonged engine combustion.

The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) also analyzed that a liquid-propellant rocket engine was tested without prior notice at the West Sea Satellite Launch Station at the end of last month. CSIS’s North Korea-focused website, Beyond Parallel, reported that North Korea tested a large liquid-propellant rocket engine at the Yeonsong vertical engine test facility at the West Sea Satellite Launch Station during the fourth week of April.

CSIS assessed that this unannounced test is a clear signal that North Korea continues to advance liquid-propellant rocket technology development for ballistic missile and space launch vehicle (SLV) programs. It is unknown whether North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un observed the test.

Several notable developments were observed over the past year at the Yeonsong vertical engine test stand and newly completed nearby test facilities. The vertical engine test stand was refurbished, and the access roads leading to the maintenance area, inclined ramp, vertical engine test stand, new horizontal engine test stand, and ballistic missile silo (underground storage) were paved with gravel.

According to CSIS, construction of the coastal launch pad at the West Sea Satellite Launch Station is mostly complete, and renovation work on existing launch pads has been halted, while underground facility construction related to a large new processing and assembly building is intensively underway. A large building approximately 205 meters wide and 57 meters long is slowly being constructed here, consisting of two halls with high ceilings.

The door width of the larger hall is 10 meters, which is analyzed to be capable of accommodating several ‘Cheollima 1’ SLVs carrying military reconnaissance satellites, as well as larger follow-up SLV systems. Expansion work is also underway on the pier near the coastal launch pad. It is speculated that this pier could be used as a maritime transport facility for larger SLVs or ballistic missile components.