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North Korea is preparing for its second attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit and conduct tests of long-range missiles, according to South Korea’s intelligence service. The country intends to mark its 75th anniversary on September 9 by launching the satellite in late August or early September. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to conduct these weapons tests in response to major U.S.-South Korea military drills and a trilateral U.S.-South Korea-Japan summit.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed lawmakers in a closed-door meeting about North Korea’s plans. The NIS disclosed that North Korea has been testing an engine for the rocket to be used in the satellite launch and has installed an additional land antenna to capture satellite data.

Shifting focus to other missile-related activities, the NIS reported unusual heavy activities at a North Korean facility that produces solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as at another site related to liquid-fueled ICBMs. The NIS suggests that these launch preparations are intended as a protest against the upcoming Camp David summit and the U.S.-South Korean military drills.

North Korea has been increasingly sensitive to U.S. efforts to strengthen its alliances with South Korea and Japan. To counter these perceived threats, North Korea has conducted over 100 missile tests since the beginning of 2022. While it has demonstrated the potential range of its intercontinental ballistic missiles to reach the U.S. mainland, further technological challenges remain. Its shorter-range missiles, however, are capable of targeting South Korea and Japan.

It is worth noting that three of North Korea’s known types of ICBMs employ liquid fuels, while the fourth uses solid fuel. Solid-fueled missiles are easier to move and launch quickly, making them more difficult to detect in advance.

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