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North Korea has notified Japan that it plans to launch a satellite sometime between August 24 and August 31. This launch attempt comes just three months after a previous attempt failed. The Japanese Coast Guard has issued warnings to vessels traveling in the potential danger zones during the launch window. The Prime Minister’s office in Japan has strongly urged North Korea to refrain from firing the satellite and is working with the US, South Korea, and other concerned parties.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry has also called on North Korea to immediately halt its plan, stating that the use of ballistic missile technology in the claimed satellite test is banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions. Many observers believe that North Korea’s rocket launches are actually a way for the country to advance its ballistic weapons program under the guise of a civilian program.

After the failed launch in May, South Korea’s military retrieved parts of the North Korean rocket, including its payload. However, it was concluded that the claimed reconnaissance satellite had no utility, although details of what was recovered or analyzed were not provided.

North Korea’s rocket launch notification coincides with large-scale exercises conducted by South Korea and the US to enhance readiness for a potential incursion by North Korea. These exercises, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield, are viewed by North Korea as practice for an invasion. The drills were canceled in 2018 but were revived this year with the most field exercises in recent years.

In addition to the military exercises, a nationwide emergency drill is scheduled for Wednesday, which will include a 20-minute civilian drill where vehicle traffic will stop and people will take shelter.

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