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North Korea has announced its intentions to launch another satellite, just three months after its previous attempt failed. The potential launch, which is set to take place between August 24 and 31, has drawn criticism from Tokyo and Seoul. Japan has mobilized ships and activated its PAC-3 missile defense system in preparation for any potential impact on their territory. South Korea has stated that the launch would violate UN sanctions that prohibit the North from conducting ballistic technology tests. The country’s Unification Ministry called the launch “an illegal act” and emphasized that it would not be justified by any excuses put forth by North Korea.

Experts have noted the significant technological overlap between the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and space launch capabilities. The launch plan comes after Seoul and Washington commenced their major annual joint military drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, which are designed to counter the growing threats posed by North Korea. The drills, scheduled to run through August 31, have been viewed by Pyongyang as rehearsals for an invasion and have elicited warnings of “overwhelming” action.

Despite the failed previous attempt, North Korea’s regime has vowed to successfully launch a spy satellite in the future as a counterbalance to the increasing US military presence in the region. The announcement of the new launch plan followed discussions among leaders from Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo at Camp David, where North Korea’s nuclear threats were a focal point.

South Korea’s spy agency has also indicated the possibility of a reconnaissance satellite launch coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the regime’s founding on September 9. Experts have speculated that the three-month gap since the failed May launch has provided North Korea with enough time to identify and address any flaws in their previous attempt. Kim Jong Un’s regime has prioritized the development of a military spy satellite, and the crash of the satellite in May prompted an extensive salvage operation by South Korean naval rescue ships and deep-sea divers. The retrieved parts of the rocket and satellite were subsequently analyzed by experts from South Korea and the United States, with South Korea’s defense ministry concluding that the satellite had no military value.

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