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North Korea has announced plans to launch another satellite, just three months after its first attempt failed. The launch is scheduled to take place between August 24 and 31, according to Pyongyang’s notification to Japan’s coast guard. However, Tokyo and Seoul have condemned the launch and demanded that North Korea call it off.

Both Japan and South Korea consider the launch to be a violation of UN sanctions that prohibit North Korea from conducting tests using ballistic technology. These sanctions apply to activities related to both space launches and missiles. South Korea’s Unification Ministry has described the launch as “an illegal act” and has vowed to respond sternly and cooperate closely with the US and Japan.

The United States has also urged North Korea to refrain from further unlawful activity and to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy. The announcement of the satellite launch comes shortly after leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan met to discuss North Korea’s nuclear threats. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan has called on North Korea to cancel the launch and has stated that Japan is prepared for any unforeseen eventuality.

In May, North Korea launched what it claimed to be its first military reconnaissance satellite. However, the rocket carrying it, named “Chollima-1”, failed and fell into the sea shortly after takeoff. North Korea subsequently vowed to successfully launch its spy satellite in the near future as a counterbalance to the US military presence in the region.

The planned launch follows the commencement of joint military drills between South Korea and the US known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. Pyongyang views these exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has warned of taking overwhelming action in response. North Korean hackers have already targeted the exercises with email attacks on South Korean contractors involved.

Experts suggest that North Korea may be timing its next satellite launch to coincide with the ongoing joint military drills. They believe that the three-month period since the failed May launch has allowed North Korea to identify and fix any technical issues. However, it remains to be seen if North Korea will succeed in its launch this time.

The crash of the satellite launched in May prompted a salvage operation by South Korea, which determined that the satellite had no military utility. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has prioritized the development of a military spy satellite.

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