NORTH KOREA'S SPACE PROGRAMME

1. Context

2. North Korean Space Programme

• North Korea in the past decade has had an active space program that is closely related to its missile program.
• Satellite launch vehicles use the same core technology as long­range missiles that deliver warheads capable of destroying intercontinental targets. (the Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles or ICBMs).
• Starting in 1998, North Korea successfully orbited its first satellite in 2012 after three failed attempts.
• The launch vehicle used was Unha­3, a likely variant of Taepodong­2 ICBM. The
  Unha­type launch vehicle was also used in the 2016 launch of Pyongyang’s Earth Observation satellite.
• The flight on May 31 was the sixth satellite launch by Pyongyang. It was done through the Chollima­1 which is a new space launcher known to have an engine that is similar to North Korea’s dual­nozzle liquid­fuel machine used in Hwasong­15 ICBM.
• Additionally, in April, North Korea announced that it had completed the construction of its first spy satellite. 

3. Why does it want assets in Space? 

• The North Korean spy satellites are expected to play a crucial role in providing advanced surveillance technology, that covers a large portion of the region, to improve the ability to strike targets during conflict.
• Kim Jong Um, the leader of North Korea, stated that the nation would have the capability to "use Preemptive military force when the station demands.
• Moreover, North Korea's space program is a response to other strategic developments in the region.
• Earlier, the U.S. announced that it would be activating U.S. Space Forces in Korea.
• This system would provide South Korea with advanced capabilities of missile warning and satellite communications throughout the Korean peninsula and its proximate war.
• South Korea successfully launched its Nuri rocket which is designed to assist Seoul's efforts to develop a space-based surveillance system.
• These developments nudged Pyongyang to hasten the launch of Malligyong 1.

4. What does this mean for East Asia?

• The security anxiety in East Asia in response to the North Korean satellite launch reveals a sense of urgency among the regional powers.
• North Korea no longer needs to develop its long-range missile technology under the guise of satellites since its testfiring in 2017.
• Pyongyang seems unafraid to reveal its technological intentions and strengthen its security apparatus in the region.
• While the launch is a breach of the UN security council resolutions, it is unlikely to attract additional economic sanctions.
• This displays the weak effectiveness of sanctions imposed on North Korea.