Kim Jong Un Gears Up For Another Military Spy Satellite Launch After First Attempt Ending In Failure

Following a failed attempt three months ago, Kim Jong Un has signaled readiness to launch another North Korean military spy satellite.

What Happened: North Korea has informed Japan of its intentions to carry out a satellite launch between Aug. 24 and Aug. 30, Associated Press reported.

The intended launch comes three months after the isolated nation’s first attempt at sending a spy satellite into orbit ended in failure, with the rocket crashing into the sea. The earlier unsuccessful launch was a hindrance to North Korea’s ambitions to establish a space-based surveillance system aimed at the U.S. and South Korea.

See Also: Kim Jong Un Inspects North Korea’s First Military Spy Satellite In Pursuit Of Enhanced Arm Capabilities

Upon receiving the notice, the Japanese coast guard issued safety warnings for vessels in three potential impact zones off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, in the East China Sea, and east of the Philippine island of Luzon. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has directed officials to diligently collect and analyze information and prepare for any potential emergencies.

The announcement of the satellite launch coincides with ongoing U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion preparations.

Why It Matters: These developments occur following a trilateral summit among the leaders of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, in which they agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation in response to escalating nuclear and military threats from North Korea.

Following North Korea’s failed satellite launch, the U.S. criticized the country’s actions and called for diplomacy. Despite criticism, North Korea defended its actions, with Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, berating the U.S. for its “gangster-like” hypocrisy.

South Korea later recovered the failed satellite from the sea and after careful analysis by American and Seoul experts, it was revealed to hold minimal military significance.

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com

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