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North Korea has informed Japan of its plan to launch a satellite in the coming days, potentially as a second attempt to put a military spy satellite into orbit. In late May, North Korea’s first effort to launch a spy satellite had failed, with the rocket plunging into the sea shortly after liftoff. This setback hindered leader Kim Jong Un’s goal of establishing a space-based surveillance system to monitor the U.S. and South Korea more effectively. After studying the failure of the initial launch, North Korea vowed to make another attempt.

Although the notification from North Korean authorities did not specify the type of satellite they intend to launch, it is believed to be similar to the spy satellite from the previous launch. The launch is expected to occur between August 24 and August 30, and it may affect three maritime zones: the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, the East China Sea, and east of the Philippine island of Luzon. Japan has issued safety warnings for vessels passing through these areas.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed officials to gather and analyze information about the launch and prepare for any emergencies. He has also called for cooperation with the United States, South Korea, and other concerned countries to prevent North Korea from conducting the launch.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry has labeled the planned satellite launch as an illegal provocation, as it violates UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting ballistic activities. South Korea intends to respond sternly to the launch in close coordination with the U.S. and Japan.

The launch plan coincides with the annual U.S.-South Korean military drills, which North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion. It is expected that North Korea will conduct more missile tests in response to these exercises. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills are computer-simulated command post training, accompanied by over 30 field training exercises.

In a trilateral summit, the leaders of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan agreed to increase defense cooperation to address North Korea’s nuclear and military threats. They announced measures such as annual trilateral exercises and sharing real-time missile warning data on North Korea by the end of the year.

North Korea’s state media warned that the drills of its rivals are heightening the risk of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. The country claims that the prevailing situation compels it to take offensive measures, but did not provide further details.

Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has conducted over 100 weapons tests, including those involving nuclear-capable missiles. North Korea has justified these activities as a response to the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military training, while Washington and Seoul maintain that their drills are defensive in nature.

South Korea’s spy agency recently revealed that North Korea is preparing to test intercontinental ballistic missiles, shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles, and launch a spy satellite. However, South Korea’s military argued that the debris from North Korea’s first attempt showed the satellite was not advanced enough for effective reconnaissance from space, contradicting North Korea’s claims.

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