38 North "Signs of New Liquid Fuel Engine Test Preparation at West Sea Launch Site"

Possible Preparation for Second Launch After Military Reconnaissance Satellite Launch Failure

According to 38 North, a U.S.-based North Korea specialist media outlet, signs of preparations for testing a new liquid-fuel engine have been detected at North Korea's West Sea Satellite Launch Station, reported on the 10th (local time).

Based on satellite images taken that day, 38 North stated that new activity was observed at the Vertical Engine Test Stand (VETS) at the West Sea Satellite Launch Station. Since the 5th of this month, a retractable protective facility was moved to the inclined ramp connecting the test stand and the mooring area, and 4 to 5 vehicles, which were not previously present, also appeared in the mooring area.

North Korea West Sea Satellite Launch Site
[Image Source=AP·Yonhap News]

The retractable protective facility serves a dual purpose: protecting related equipment and personnel during liquid-fuel engine tests and preventing satellite imagery from capturing the site. 38 North reported that North Korea usually moves this retractable protective facility close to the test stand when conducting tests there.

Earlier, on the 31st of last month, North Korea launched the military reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyong-1' on a rocket, but the launch failed due to engine malfunction. Subsequently, the National Aerospace Development Administration of North Korea indicated the possibility of engine testing, stating, "After conducting various partial tests, we will carry out a second launch as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.