North Korea's National Space Development Agency conducted an important test in the final stage for the development of a reconnaissance satellite yesterday (18th) at the Sohae Satellite Launching Site in Dongchang-ri, Cholsan-gun, North Pyongan Province, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
A spokesperson for the National Space Development Agency said, "The primary purpose of this important test is to evaluate the capabilities of satellite imaging and data transmission systems and ground control systems."
At the same time, KCNA added, "The satellite test product was mounted on a carrier and launched at an altitude of 500 km."
The National Space Development Agency announced that it would complete preparations for the first military reconnaissance satellite by April next year, saying that passing the test was an important achievement and the final gateway to launching a reconnaissance satellite.
North Korea fired two medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) into the East Sea from the Dongchang-ri area between 11:13 am and 12:05 pm yesterday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
(Photo = Chosun Central News Agency, Yonhap News)