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North Korea has announced plans to launch another satellite, just three months after its first attempt to put a military satellite into orbit failed. The launch is scheduled to take place between August 24 and 31, according to Pyongyang’s communication with Japan’s coast guard. Japan has mobilized ships and its PAC-3 missile defense system in case the satellite lands in its territory.

South Korea has condemned the launch, calling it an “illegal act” that violates UN sanctions prohibiting North Korea from testing ballistic technology. Both space launches and missiles use ballistic technology. The country’s Unification Ministry stated that North Korea’s actions cannot be justified, regardless of the excuses it may offer.

The announcement of the launch comes shortly after the leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan met at Camp David, with North Korea’s nuclear threats being a key topic of discussion. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan urged North Korea to cancel the launch, stating that Japan is prepared for any unforeseen events.

Pyongyang’s new launch plan coincides with the start of joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, aimed at countering the growing threats from North Korea. The exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, will run until August 31. North Korea views these drills as rehearsals for an invasion and has previously threatened to take action in response.

North Korea’s spy agency has suggested that Pyongyang could launch a reconnaissance satellite ahead of the 75th anniversary of the country’s founding on September 9. Experts speculate that the regime has taken the past three months to address the flaws that caused the failure of its previous launch in May. However, there is uncertainty about whether North Korea will succeed this time.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made the development of a military spy satellite a top priority. The crash of the satellite in May resulted in a salvage operation by South Korea, involving naval rescue ships, mine sweepers, and deep-sea divers. Analysis of the salvaged parts indicated that the satellite had no military utility, according to South Korea’s defense ministry.

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