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North Korea is reportedly preparing for its second attempt at launching a reconnaissance satellite this year, a move that has drawn criticism from Japan and South Korea. The country’s first launch attempt on May 31 ended in failure, with the rocket crashing into the sea. North Korea has now informed Japan that it plans to launch a satellite between August 24 and 31.

North Korea has a history of satellite launches, with six launches since 1998. Two of these satellites were believed to have been successfully placed in orbit, the last one being in 2016. However, there has been debate about whether the satellites sent any transmissions. The recent launch was carried out using a new rocket, the Chollima-1, which appears to be a new design utilizing dual-nozzle liquid-fuelled engines.

The international community, particularly the United States and its allies, has condemned North Korea’s satellite launches as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. These resolutions prohibit the development of technology applicable to North Korea’s ballistic missile programs. However, North Korea claims that its space program and defense activities are its sovereign right.

Analysts speculate that North Korea’s satellite launches serve dual purposes. On one hand, it enables the country to gather intelligence on its enemies and demonstrate its capabilities to other space powers in the region. On the other hand, it could potentially reduce tension and provide stability if North Korea is able to use its own satellites to verify that the United States and its allies do not pose a threat.

Given the potential military implications, Japan and South Korea have expressed concerns about North Korea’s growing space ambitions. Meanwhile, South Korea has recovered some wreckage from the recent launch, including parts of the satellite, but has not released detailed findings, stating that the satellite had little military value.

As North Korea continues to pursue its space program, its actions remain highly contentious and closely monitored by the international community.

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