JCS: "Difficult to Predict Timing of North Korea's Reconnaissance Satellite Launch"

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on the 31st that it is difficult to predict the timing of North Korea's third reconnaissance satellite launch.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Seong-jun, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs Officer, said at the Ministry of National Defense regular briefing that regarding North Korea's announced plan to conduct the third reconnaissance satellite launch this month, "We are tracking the launch trends and preparations, but it is difficult to predict the timing."

In response to a question about whether the preparation process is being prolonged because North Korea is receiving technology transfer from Russia, Lee replied, "Our relevant authorities are evaluating that, but it is difficult to comment on it."

A military official stated, "If the issues encountered during the second reconnaissance satellite launch can be relatively easily resolved with Russia's help, the third launch could be possible next month. However, if extensive technical support from Russia is required, the third launch may be delayed further."

North Korea announced that after thoroughly investigating the cause of the accident immediately following the failure of the second launch on August 24, the National Space Development Agency would carry out the third launch in October. With less than a day left in October, it seems unlikely that North Korea's declaration will be realized. North Korea had notified Japan, the regional navigation warning coordinator for the area including South Korea and North Korea under the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS), in advance during the first and second reconnaissance satellite launches in May and August, respectively.

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