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North Korea is preparing to launch another satellite just three months after its previous attempt failed. The launch is scheduled to take place between August 24 and 31, according to Pyongyang. However, both Tokyo and Seoul have condemned the move, calling it an illegal act that violates UN sanctions. Japan has mobilized its coast guard and missile defense system in case the satellite lands in their territory.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry stated that the launch violates UN Security Council resolutions and vowed to respond sternly, with the support of trilateral cooperation between Korea, the US, and Japan. The announcement by North Korea comes shortly after a meeting between leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan at Camp David, where discussions regarding North Korea’s growing nuclear threats were held.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan has urged Pyongyang to call off the launch, stating that Japan is taking all possible measures to prepare for any unforeseen events. The Coast Guard of Japan has been informed by North Korea about designated danger areas in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and waters east of the Philippines’ Luzon island.

In May, North Korea launched what it claimed to be its first military reconnaissance satellite, but it failed shortly after takeoff. North Korea’s government promised to successfully launch their spy satellite in the future as a response to the increasing US military presence in the region.

The new launch plan by Pyongyang coincides with the annual joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. These exercises are aimed at countering threats from North Korea. The drills have been viewed by Pyongyang as rehearsals for an invasion, with warnings of overwhelming actions in response.

South Korea’s spy agency recently stated that Pyongyang could launch a reconnaissance satellite ahead of the 75th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, which falls on September 9.

Despite the failure of their previous attempt, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has prioritized the development of a military spy satellite. The parts of the rocket and satellite recovered from the previous launch were analyzed by experts in South Korea and the United States, with the conclusion that the satellite had no military usefulness.

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