North Korea Readying For Rocket Launch Test, Report Says
Based on satellite reconnaissance images, officials believe that North Korea may be preparing to test launch one of its rockets by as early as December 6.
The move to launch one of its rockets would fly in the face of international pressure to cease such activities. Should North Korea move forward with their rocket launch, officials say that such a move might even draw ire from China, the nation’s lone ally in an increasingly volatile political environment.
The report, which comes from the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, says that the images, which were taken by DigitalGlobe Inc. on November 23 and 26, are “clear indicators that the rocket stages are being checked out before moving to the pad for an eventual launch.
“If Pyongyang follows past practice in preparing for a launch, it could be ready to fire a rocket as early as the end of the first week in December.”
As the report points out, North Korea generally only test-fire missiles during the spring and summer, and all tests usually come prior to notice from the North Korean government. As of writing, North Korea has issued no such warning about any impending rocket launch tests.
“Since that has not happened yet, the window would appear to be closing for an early launch,” the report added.
December does have some significance if North Korea does intend to move forward with a rocket launch. December 17 will mark the first anniversary of the death of Kim Jong-il, the father of current leader Kim Jong-un. A few days later on December 19, South Korea will be holding their presidential election.
