Report: North Korea's First Spy Satellite is 'Alive'

Facts

• Two prominent aerospace experts have said that North Korea's inaugural spy satellite — Malligyong-1 — is functional and under control after data from the Combined Space Operations Center indicated maneuvers to raise its perigee, the lowest point in its orbit.¹
• Additionally, the tracked movements indicate that the Malligyong-1 has a propulsion system, which can prevent orbit decay and extend the satellite's lifespan.²
• This comes after South Korea's Defense Ministry suggested that the military reconnaissance satellite launched into orbit last November was dead and tumbling through its orbit.³
• This comes after the South Korea Defense Ministry suggested that the military reconnaissance satellite launched into orbit last November was dead and tumbling through its orbit.⁴
• South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik told reporters that the North could launch a second spy satellite as early as March, likely speeding up its plans as Seoul intends to launch a synthetic aperture radar satellite in April.⁵
• Amid mounting tensions in the Korean Peninsula, Seoul and Washington announced Wednesday that their expanded annual military joint exercises — which Pyongyang views as an invasion rehearsal — will begin next week.⁶

Sources: ¹The Guardian, ²Business Insider, ³Independent, ⁴NK News, ⁵Korea Times and ⁶Associated Press.

Narratives

• Pro-North Korea narrative, as provided by KCNA. With Malligyong-1 operating in orbit, North Korea has bolstered its self-defense capabilities and war deterrence amid a deteriorating security environment featuring Pyongyang’s enemies conducting dangerous military actions in the Korean Peninsula. No one can deny North Korea's right to self-defense.
• Anti-North Korea Narrative, as provided by The Economist. While it may claim that military spy satellites are justified and legitimate in defending its sovereignty and security against the US and its allies, the truth is that North Korea is using ballistic missile technology to compete with other growing space powers in the region. Pyongyang is further fueling instability with its provocative escalations.

Predictions