North Korea’s Second Attempt to Launch Spy Satellite Ends in Failure
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North Korea’s Second Attempt to Launch Spy Satellite Ends in Failure
The North Korean government’s official media confirmed today that their second attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit was unsuccessful. The missile carrying the Malijeong-1 spy satellite was launched in the early hours of Thursday from a site in North Pyongan Province, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Reasons for Failure
The agency stated that the first and second stages of the missile launch went according to plan. However, a failure occurred during the flight of the third stage due to an error in the emergency detonation system.
North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) has announced that they will conduct an investigation into the reasons for the failure and will attempt a third launch in October, as reported by KCNA.
Japanese Response
Earlier on Thursday morning, the Japanese government reported that North Korea had fired a missile across southern Japan, which landed in the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, there were no reports of any damage caused by the launch.
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The rocket was launched from the Tongchang-ri Space Launch Complex in North Korea and flew over Okinawa in southern Japan, heading towards the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese government promptly notified the affected areas through the J-Alert warning system.
It’s worth mentioning that the Japanese government had been informed earlier in the week that Pyongyang had plans to launch a satellite into space between August 24 and 31.
Previous Failed Launch
This is not the first time North Korea has experienced a failed launch. They previously attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit on May 31, which was also unsuccessful.
International Condemnation
Experts point out that space missiles and long-range missiles are mainly based on the same technology. In response to the failed launch in May, the United States, Japan, and South Korea condemned North Korea, accusing them of using technology directly related to their intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
It is important to note that North Korea is prohibited from testing ballistic missiles under United Nations resolutions. These missiles can be equipped with one or more nuclear warheads, depending on their design.
