North Korea pursuing a space program?!
UPDATE 2: The DPRK has officially announced that it intends to put another “satellite” into orbit. According to KCNA (2/24/2009):
The preparations for launching experimental communications satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 by means of delivery rocket Unha-2 are now making brisk headway at Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground in Hwadae County, North Hamgyong Province.
When this satellite launch proves successful, the nation’s space science and technology will make another giant stride forward in building an economic power.
The “Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground (TSLG)” is also known as the “Musudan-ri Launching Station.” TSLG is a new name, and today is the first time that KCNA has ever used it!
The full KCNA story can be read here.
Below you can find previous posts on the DPRK’s efforts to put a satellite into orbit—including information on the mysterious Kwangmyongsong-1.
UPDATE 1: The Daily NK is reporting that the DPRK plans to launch “another satellite” called the “Kwongmyongsong 2.”
Senior Technical Analyst at Globalsecurity.org Charles P. Vick stated, “North Korea is expected to flight test one or two Teap’o-dong-2(sic) class missiles, either as a satellite launch attempt, or a ballistic missile flight, or both, in the spring or summer of 2009,” in a report entitled “The Latest up-date in North Korean Ballistic Missile & Space Booster Developments.”
North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity (NKIS) reported on the 12th news from its source in North Hamkyung Province, which seemed to confirm the satellite theory; “The Kwangmyungsung-2, an artificial satellite, will be launched soon at the missile site in Moosudan-ri, Hwadae (county),” the source announced.
According to the NKIS report, the Kwangmyungsung-2, allegedly a communications satellite, was developed by the Institute of Electronic War under the Academy of Sciences for Defense.
If they go through woth it, KCNA will have to report on two satellites that are not in orbit.
Read the full story here:
Taepodong-2: Missile or Satellite?
Daily NK
Jeong Jae Sung
2/13/2009
ORIGINAL POST: (Hat tip to ROK Drop) Shortly after the Onion reported this, the Australian tells us that the Kim Jong il government has declared it is actively pursuing a space program, amid reports from US and South Korean officials that Pyongyang is preparing to test fire a long-range missile.
“The DPRK’s (North Korea) policy of advancing to space for peaceful purposes is a justifiable aim that fits the global trend of the times. There is no power in the world that can stop it,” the newspaper said in an editorial.
“As long as developing and using space are aimed at peaceful purposes and such efforts contribute to enhancing human beings’ happiness, no one in the world can find fault with them.”
It noted that Iran on Monday successfully launched a satellite carried by a home-built rocket, setting alarm bells ringing among Western powers because of the implications for the range of its ballistic missiles.
Rodong said North Korea had long been working on space research and development.
“Currently, our scientists and engineers, in keeping with the international trend, are actively pushing ahead with projects aimed at utilising space for peaceful goals,” it added. (The Australian)
Of course North Korea has used its purported space program as political cover for missle tests before. Back in 1998, Pyongyang informed the world about the successful launch of the “Kwangmyongsong No.1” satellite (which coincided with a previous round of missile tests). The satellite supposedly circles the earth playing the Song of General Kim il Sung. Although no one has been able to verify it is in orbit, as far as the North Korean people are aware the satellite is still circling the earth! KCNA just reported on it in January.
Here is a previous post on the satellite.
Here are all of KCNA’s stories about the satellite (via the STALIN Search Engine).
Here is the Wikipedia page on the satellite.
I should also point out that Pyongyang has consistently emphasised space travel as a policy goal in the mass games. I also took this photo at Pyongyang’s Moranbong Middle School and this photo in the Mangyongdae Children’s Palace.
