North Korea reaffirms plan to bolster space reconnaissance capabilities

North Korea's launch vehicle for military spy satellites is seen in this Nov. 22, 2023, file photo carried by the Korean Central News Agency. Newsis

North Korea reiterated its commitment to launching more reconnaissance satellites this year, Saturday, after putting its first spy satellite into orbit in November.

Pyongyang "will carry out an important mission to enhance its space reconnaissance capabilities as planned to monitor and control the U.S. and other hostile forces' military movements and aggressive attempts," an unnamed spokesperson of the North's National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea put its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit in November after two failed attempts in May and August and has vowed to launch three more this year. It has yet to disclose any timeline for the launches but has repeatedly reaffirmed the plan through the KCNA.

The North blamed the "U.S. ambitions to militarize space" for its push for space development.

"The U.S. has been building a big space army over the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding area with an ultimate goal to launch a preemptive nuclear attack," the spokesperson said, accusing Washington of escalating the possibility of an actual war breaking out in the region.

The North also denounced recent remarks by Stephen Whiting, the commander of the U.S. Space Command, that North Korea's satellite launch violates U.N. Security Council resolutions, saying the U.S. is acting based on "double standards."

North Korea has the right to develop space and use it as a military means for self-defense, the spokesperson said, reiterating the country's position on space development. (Yonhap)