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North Korea is preparing for its second attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit and conduct tests of long-range missiles. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is expected to respond to upcoming US-South Korean military drills and a trilateral US-South Korea-Japan summit by conducting these weapons tests.

According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korea may launch the spy satellite in late August or early September, just before the country’s 75th anniversary on September 9. The NIS has revealed that North Korea has been testing an engine for the rocket intended for the satellite launch and has installed an additional land antenna to receive satellite data.

North Korea previously attempted a satellite launch in late May, but the rocket crashed into the ocean. The country claimed that it lost thrust following the separation of its first and second stages. South Korea’s military has disputed North Korea’s claim that the satellite was advanced enough for military reconnaissance based on debris analysis.

The NIS has also detected increased activity at a North Korean facility that produces solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and another site related to liquid-fueled ICBMs. The launch preparations are seen as a protest against the Camp David summit and the US-South Korean military drills.

Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has conducted over 100 missile tests, citing the need to strengthen its military capabilities in response to the expanding US-South Korean exercises. These exercises have involved a US aircraft carrier, nuclear-capable bombers, and nuclear-armed submarines. North Korea is particularly sensitive to US efforts to strengthen its alliances with South Korea and Japan.

While North Korea has demonstrated the potential range of its ICBMs to reach the US mainland, there are still technological challenges that need to be overcome. The country’s shorter-range missiles are capable of targeting South Korea and Japan. It is worth noting that solid-fueled missiles are more difficult to detect before launch compared to liquid-fueled ones due to their ability to be moved and fired quickly.

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