In its 3rd attempt, North Korea ‘successfully’ launches spy satellite

ANKARA

In its third attempt this year, North Korea has “successfully” launched a surveillance satellite into space.

North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration said it "successfully" launched the new-type carrier rocket Chollima-1 loaded with the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Cholsan County, in northern Phyongan province late on Tuesday.

Earlier, Pyongyang had failed twice in May and August to launch the satellite.

The carrier rocket Chollima-1 "flew normally along the preset flight track and accurately put the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 on its orbit at 22:54:13 (1354GMT Tuesday) after the launch," Korean Central News Agency reported, citing a statement from the administration.

Pyongyang's launch of the satellite also came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid an official visit to Russia in September and the two sides reportedly upgraded ties including in the defense sector.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch of the reconnaissance satellite on Tuesday.


Earlier, the South Korean military had said they detected the rocket launch carrying the satellite into space.

Japan Coast Guard had also warned ships in the region about falling parts of the rocket.

Pyongyang's satellite launch triggered condemnations from South Korea, Japan and the US, calling it violations of UN Security Council resolutions.

US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said North Korea's satellite launch "raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond."


Following the satellite launch, Seoul said it has "partially" suspended the 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement with North Korea.

The government of President Yoon Suk-yeol allowed its military to restore its surveillance activities around the inter-Korean border.

The 2018 agreement between the two countries created buffer zones along land and sea boundaries and no-fly zones above the border.

*Islamuddin Sajid contributed to the story from Pakistan