Indications of Delayed Second Reconnaissance Satellite Launch at Sohae
▲ Coastal Launch Pad 2 at the Sohae Satellite Launch Center, in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, on 10th April 2024.
Shortly after the successful launch of its first reconnaissance satellite, the Malligyong-1, at 22:42:28 on November 21st Juche 112 (2023), North Korea announced plans to launch three additional reconnaissance satellites.
Another indicator of potential launch preparations is the ten vehicles present in the courtyard of the administration and security headquarters. It is uncommon for this courtyard to be so populated, and such a concentration of vehicles has historically coincided with past test launches at Sohae. By 10th April, these vehicles were no longer present, further supporting the assessment that the launch had been postponed due to yet unknown reasons.
South Korean government officials stated although the launch was originally anticipated to happen around 15th April, coinciding with President Kim Il Sung’s birthday, it is assessed to have been delayed for technical improvements.
The launch is expected soon, potentially within days or by the end of April at the latest.
▲ Coastal Launch Pad 2 at the Sohae Satellite Launch Center, in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, on 10th April 2024.
Shortly after the successful launch of its first reconnaissance satellite, the Malligyong-1, at 22:42:28 on November 21st Juche 112 (2023), North Korea announced plans to launch three additional reconnaissance satellites.
Another indicator of potential launch preparations is the ten vehicles present in the courtyard of the administration and security headquarters. It is uncommon for this courtyard to be so populated, and such a concentration of vehicles has historically coincided with past test launches at Sohae. By 10th April, these vehicles were no longer present, further supporting the assessment that the launch had been postponed due to yet unknown reasons.
South Korean government officials stated although the launch was originally anticipated to happen around 15th April, coinciding with President Kim Il Sung’s birthday, it is assessed to have been delayed for technical improvements.
The launch is expected soon, potentially within days or by the end of April at the latest.