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North Korea successfully launched a long-range rocket on Thursday, according to South Korea’s military. It is believed that this is the North’s second recent attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit.

The rocket, referred to as a “space launch vehicle” by North Korea, was launched from the country’s main space launch center located in Tongchang-ri. South Korea detected the rocket flying above international waters off the Korean Peninsula’s west coast.

This launch comes after North Korea’s failed attempt to launch a spy satellite in late May. The rocket carrying the satellite plunged into the sea shortly after liftoff. North Korea quickly admitted to the failure and vowed to make a second attempt.

South Korea’s military recovered debris from the failed launch and determined that the satellite was not advanced enough for military reconnaissance. However, the May launch raised tensions and violated U.N. Security Council resolutions banning North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

The recent launch comes just days after the U.S. and South Korean militaries began their annual joint military drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal. North Korea’s official news agency criticized the exercises, stating that they increase the risk of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea’s spy agency has reported signs that North Korea is preparing for test-flights of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other provocative weapons. Kim Jong Un himself observed the test firings of strategic cruise missiles earlier this week.

Since the start of 2022, North Korea has conducted around 100 missile tests, while the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea have intensified. North Korea claims that its weapons testing is necessary to bolster its nuclear deterrent against increasing U.S.-led military threats.

North Korea has expressed its goal of acquiring high-tech weapons systems, including spy satellites. The country successfully launched its first satellite into orbit in 2012 and the second one in 2016. While there is no evidence that these satellites have transmitted imagery back to North Korea, experts believe that the launches have contributed to the country’s long-range missile technology.

The U.N. Security Council previously imposed economic sanctions on North Korea for its satellite launches, considering them cover-ups for long-range ballistic missile tests. However, further sanctions have not been adopted due to opposition from Russia and China.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense as North Korea continues its missile tests and the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea continue.

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