North Korea Conducts Rocket Engine Combustion Test at West Sea Satellite Launch Station [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

Signs of Withered Vegetation Nearby and Construction of a Viewing Stand Detected

North Korea recently conducted a rocket engine combustion test at the Dongchang-ri West Sea Satellite Launch Station in North Pyongan Province. Since this test was carried out on a vertical engine test stand, it raises the likelihood that North Korea tested a liquid-propellant rocket engine. North Korea did not report the test.

Launch scene of the Kwangmyongsong-4 at the Dongchang-ri West Sea Satellite Launch Station reported by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on February 7, 2016

According to military authorities on May 20, "North Korea conducted an engine combustion test at the West Sea Satellite Launch Station, and we are closely monitoring the situation."

Since 2023, North Korea has attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite a total of four times. The first and second attempts failed, but in the third attempt in November 2023, North Korea claimed success in placing “Malligyong-1” into orbit. The fourth launch, conducted in May 2024, failed when the first-stage rocket exploded in midair, and since then, North Korea has not conducted any further satellite launches.

At the end of March, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of a new carbon fiber solid engine with increased thrust for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and this test was publicly promoted. That test was conducted on a horizontal engine test stand. Because liquid-fueled missiles require time for fueling and are less covert than solid-fueled missiles, North Korea has recently focused on developing solid engines.

NK News, a U.S.-based North Korea-focused media outlet, also reported that commercial satellite images taken by Planet Labs showed signs of vegetation dying on a hill near the launch site’s engine test stand between May 12 and 14. Photos taken over two days from April 23 showed a protective cover on the vertical test stand being retracted, which is presumed to be part of pre-test preparations or maintenance work.

Another satellite image captured signs of new construction inside the launch site, appearing to be a VIP viewing platform. This rectangular building, presumed to be for VIPs, has been under construction since September and measures approximately 30 meters in length and 12 meters in width. The center is relatively high, while both sides are lower. NK News noted that this construction followed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s inclusion of “more advanced reconnaissance satellites” in the new five-year plan, announced at the 9th Workers’ Party Congress in February.

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