North Korea in Space!?

By Sheree McManus

Today North Korea launched a long-range rocket carrying what they say was a satellite into orbit. The United Nations characterized the launch as a missile test that was in direct defiance of sanctions. North Korean leaders claim the launch was a successful mission putting a satellite into orbit. Both South Korea and the US reiterated previous statements that they will be forced to consider deploying a missile defense system in South Korea.

The US believes this launch was a test to determine if the system could deliver a nuclear warhead which could be capable of reaching the US. The UN Security Council has begun an emergency meeting and say they expect unanimous condemnation of North Korea’s action and an agreement to increase sanctions.

According to a recent article from AP, analysts and US officials stated that Pyongyang appears to be preparing for a possible satellite launch into space. Only two weeks earlier, North Korea claimed that they had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.

US officials pointed out that there had been increased activity at a North Korean launch site, suggesting that it could be preparations for a possible imminent future space launch.

The unnamed US officials also raised speculation that the activity could be related to the deployment of a satellite program or other possibilities. One official stated to the AP that this type of “activity” is consistent with North Korea’s prior actions.

Although there was no evidence of a ballistic-missile related launch, the US officials stated that Pyongyang typically uses its space program for developing such missiles. These factors are important to consider when you realize that the components used for a space launch are the same components used for an intercontinental ballistic missile.

In 2012, North Korea last conducted a long-range rocket launch. The regime said that it was a communications satellite, which subsequently malfunctioned.

What are your thoughts on North Korea’s “space” Program?

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