North Korea Preparing New Rocket Engine Test as It Seeks More Powerful, Accurate Nuclear Weapons, Satellite Images Suggest
North Korea is "likely preparing" to test a new rocket engine as it continues to pursue technology that would enhance the delivery and accuracy of its nuclear weapons, according to new analysis of commercial satellite images released Thursday by 38 North, a website dedicated to tracking the activities of Kim Jong Un's regime.
There were reports that Pyongyang was preparing for a new satellite launch at Sohae, which has often served as the site for launches, but 38 North's analysis of satellite images (which can be viewed in the tweet below) from November 23, December 25 and December 31 instead show signs of a potential rocket engine test.
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Based on the satellite images, it appears that the rail-mounted environment shelter at the site was moved away from the test stand to the center of the concrete structure connected to it, upon which tire tracks are also visible. "As noted in previous reports, the shelter has been moved to its current position on the concrete apron either to permit the receipt and preparation of rocket engines prior to testing or to unload them after a test. Both color and near-infrared imagery, however, show no indications that an engine test has taken place since November 23, suggesting that if the current activity is test-related, it is likely preparations for a future test," 38 North's report stated.
"Alternative explanations for these activities include normal maintenance and repair or propaganda activity to reinforce recent official North Korean statements concerning space exploration and Kim Jong Un’s 2018 New Year’s address," the report continued.
The images also showed that construction has continued on a structure situated approximately 160 feet from the launch pad. According to 38 North, the structure's "close proximity to the launchpad and processing buildings may mean that it is related to launch operations support."
Improving its rocket engine technology could help North Korea develop more accurate, covert, long-range missiles, experts have said. When Kim's regime tested a rocket engine last March, South Korean officials said it represented "meaningful" progress for the reclusive country in terms of developing more powerful missiles. After North Korea's latest long-range missile test, in November, its state-media said this "most powerful" intercontinental ballistic missile meets its "goal of the completion of the rocket weaponry system development."
South Korean defense officials said on Thursday there are no "imminent" signs of a new missile test from North Korea, but they are monitoring the situation closely along with the U.S. ahead of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang next month. Earlier this week, the North and South reestablished dialogue on a limited scale for the first time in two years, and a new test from Pyongyang would undoubtedly hinder efforts to rekindle diplomatic ties.
When a reporter questioned U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis Thursday about whether there were any signs of a new intercontinental ballistic missile launch from North Korea, he said, "That would reveal our sources and methods, I don't want to comment on that. I think there's some word that's been put out—I don't know if it's by the NSS [National Security Strategy] or someone that we're keeping an eye on it, obviously. And I think in Seoul they put out some word on it, but I don't want to talk about it because it would show what we know and when we know it."
