Pyongyang's launch of a Malligyong-1 missile on Tuesday was its third attempt to boost its surveillance capabilities from space, following two failed launches in May and August.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with members of the National Aerospace Technology Administration on November 24, 2023. Photo: KCNA
Within hours of the launch, North Korea announced that its leadership had reviewed images of US military bases in Guam sent by the newly launched satellite. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the launch was "a full exercise of the right to self-defense."
Kim Jong Un said the observation satellite would help protect North Korea from “dangerous and aggressive moves by hostile forces,” adding that it had opened a “new era of a space power” for North Korea.
Images released by North Korean state media showed Kim Jong Un congratulating scientists and space program staff at the National Aerospace Technology Administration while accompanied by his young daughter Ju Ae.
Wearing a black leather jacket, Mr. Kim was seen smiling happily and waving to the uniformed members, all of whom appeared to enthusiastically cheer him and Ju Ae.
North Korean state media also released images of Kim Jong Un hosting a banquet for members of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA), top military and political officials, his daughter and his wife, Ri Sol Ju.
Kim Jong Un hosted a banquet with staff from the National Aerospace Technology Administration, top military and political officials, and his daughter and wife. Photo: KCNA
Members of Kim Jong Un’s family and other attendees wore matching T-shirts with the word “NATA” written on them. KCNA said Kim Jong Un showed “fatherly love for space scientists”.
Following Tuesday's missile launch, South Korea partially suspended a five-year military pact with North Korea and deployed "surveillance and reconnaissance assets" to the border between the two countries.
Pyongyang responded by calling Seoul's moves "reckless" and said it had also completely suspended the agreement and also deployed more "new weapons" across the military demarcation line with South Korea.
Hoang Anh (according to KCNA, AFP, CNA)
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