North Korea’s satellite launch site in the West Sea was spotted conducting an engine combustion test, raising the possibility of launching a reconnaissance satellite soon, according to the U.S. North Korea specialist news outlet NK News.
NK News reported that an analysis of satellite images taken by the satellite imaging company ‘Planet Labs’ indicated that North Korea conducted a rocket engine test at the Dongchang-ri Satellite Launch Site in Cholsan County, Pyonganbukdo in recent weeks. According to NK News, satellite images from April 21 showed green plants growing under the vertical engine test stand, but a few days later, the same area appeared brown, presumably due to exposure to heat and chemicals during the engine combustion test.
There is a high likelihood that the engine combustion test took place between April 21 and 26, as the vertical engine test stand has been mainly used for testing liquid fuel engines. Additionally, NK News noted that there has been ongoing construction work around the launch site in the past few weeks, indicating heightened activity within the launch facility.
North Korea successfully placed the “Manlyeong 1” into orbit on its third attempt in November last year and announced plans to launch an additional three military reconnaissance satellites this year.
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