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North Korea has announced plans to launch another satellite, with the waters east of the Philippines’ Luzon Island designated as one of the three “danger areas”. The other two danger areas are the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. The launch is scheduled to take place between August 24 and 31. The news has drawn condemnation from both Tokyo and Seoul, who have demanded that the launch be called off. Tokyo has mobilized ships and its PAC-3 missile defense system as a precautionary measure. South Korea has called the launch an “illegal act” as it violates UN sanctions. Experts have noted the technological overlap between the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and space launch capabilities.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, stating that his country is working with South Korea and the United States to gather more information. Tokyo is taking all necessary measures to prepare for any unforeseen events. In May, North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite, but it failed to reach orbit and plunged into the sea. The North Korean regime vowed to successfully launch a spy satellite in the near future, citing the need to counterbalance US military presence in the region. The launch plan follows the start of the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. North Korea views these drills as rehearsals for invasion and has warned of “overwhelming” action in response.

The announcement of the satellite launch also came after a meeting between leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan at Camp David, where North Korea’s nuclear threats were discussed. South Korea’s spy agency has suggested that Pyongyang could launch a reconnaissance satellite ahead of the regime’s 75th anniversary on September 9. Analysts believe that North Korea has had three months to address the flaws from its failed May launch and make improvements. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made the development of a military spy satellite a top priority. The crashed satellite from May was salvaged by South Korea in a complex operation and was determined to have no military utility.

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