North Korea may soon attempt long-range missile launch, images suggest

USPA News - A marked increase in activity at a satellite launch station in the western region of North Korea indicates the country may be preparing for another long-range missile test, according to a new satellite image released by satellite operator DigitalGlobe Inc. The satellite image, taken on Friday and published on Tuesday, shows a new tent, trucks, people, numerous portable fuel/oxidizer tanks, and other equipment at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan county of North Pyongan province.

DigitalGlobe, which provides commercial satellite imagery to governments, said the activity suggests a launch could possibly take place by mid-December. The activity is consistent with launch preparations as witnessed prior to the failed launch of a long-range missile at the same site on April 13. The Taepodong-2 ballistic missile carried the Kwangmyongsong-3 (Bright Star-3) weather satellite but failed about a minute after takeoff, causing debris to land in the Yellow Sea. The international community condemned the attempted rocket launch, calling it a violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions and a threat to regional security. North Korea claimed the launch was to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung, but observers said the country likely wanted to use the event to test its missile technology.