This was reported by Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

Citing commercial satellite imagery, the American think tank 38 North says construction of a launch pad in the coastal region east of the North Korean satellite launch station “Sohye” is progressing “at great speed”.

“Although key components of the Sohe complex have undergone modernization and expansion over the past year, this increase in activity marks a new level of urgency in preparing the site for satellite launches,” the report said.

As mentioned, the launch pad has a mounting structure on rails, a mechanism for lifting the rocket into place, lighting towers, and a tunnel for flame ejection. In the case of maintenance of rockets with liquid fuel, it is reported that additional infrastructure will most likely be needed.

On Sohe’s main launch pad, changes to the portal tower have apparently been completed, while fuel and oxidizer storage work is still in progress.

38 North added that the new VIP launch viewing area has also been largely completed.

Analysts said the military satellite is part of nuclear-armed North Korea’s efforts to develop surveillance technology, including drones, improving its ability to hit targets in a conflict situation.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un checked the readiness of the first North Korean military reconnaissance satellite and ordered to continue preparations for launch into Earth orbit, Ukrinform reported.

Photo: “KCNA”