An American research group has published an analysis that North Korea is accelerating the construction of a new launch pad at the Seohae (West Sea) Satellite Launch Site in the northwest.
The American research group "38 North" released on April 24 the results of an analysis of satellite photos taken from April 4 to May 30 at the Seohae Satellite Launch Site in Dongchang-ri in northwestern North Korea.
According to the report, satellite photos taken on April 5 confirmed that a new launch pad is being developed along the coast of the launch site, apart from the launch pad, which North Korea has been launching de facto long-range ballistic missiles under the name of "launching an artificial satellite."
In addition, satellite photos taken on May 5 showed that the concrete foundation was being prepared at the new launch pad, and the research group pointed out that "it suggests that the development is accelerating for the launch of the satellite."
North Korea announced on May 23 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the No. 5 satellite, which was ready to be loaded, and approved a future action plan for the launch of its first military reconnaissance satellite, but it did not disclose a specific date and concerned countries are still vigilant.