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North Korea has announced its plans to launch another satellite, just three months after its previous attempt failed. The launch is set to take place between August 24 and 31, despite backlash from Japan and South Korea. Tokyo has mobilized ships and its PAC-3 missile defense system as a precautionary measure.

Seoul has stated that the launch would be considered “an illegal act” as it violates UN sanctions prohibiting North Korea from conducting tests using ballistic technology. Both space launches and missiles use this technology. The South Korean Unification Ministry has condemned the launch, stating that North Korea cannot justify this illegal act with any excuse. South Korea has also vowed to respond firmly with close cooperation between Korea, the US, and Japan.

The announcement from Pyongyang comes shortly after leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan met at Camp David to discuss North Korea’s growing nuclear threats. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan has urged North Korea to call off the launch, emphasizing that Japan is prepared for any unforeseen events. The coast guard of Japan has been informed by Pyongyang of three designated danger areas where the satellite may potentially land: the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and waters east of the Philippines’ Luzon island.

In May, North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite, but it failed and crashed into the sea. Following this, the North Korean government expressed its determination to successfully launch a spy satellite in the near future as a response to the increased US military presence in the region.

Furthermore, the launch plan coincides with the Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the US. These exercises, which aim to counter the growing threats from North Korea, will last until the end of August. North Korea views such drills as rehearsals for an invasion and has warned of taking overwhelming action in response.

The spy agency of South Korea suggested that Pyongyang might launch a reconnaissance satellite ahead of the 75th anniversary of North Korea’s founding on September 9. Experts believe that North Korea has made improvements to its satellite launch technology over the past three months but its success remains uncertain.

The previous failed launch in May prompted a salvage operation involving South Korean naval rescue ships, mine sweepers, and deep-sea divers to retrieve the parts of the rocket and satellite. Analysis conducted by experts from South Korea and the United States concluded that the satellite had no military utility.

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