North Korea may be preparing to launch military satellite, South Korea says
FOX NewsMay 18
NKorea's Spy Satellite Launch Ends in Mid-Air Explosion
Above: People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of a North Korean rocket launch at the Seoul Railway Station on August 24, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. Image copyright: Chung Sung-Jun/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
North Korea has confirmed that its attempt to launch a new military reconnaissance satellite — the Malligyong-1-1 — failed after the space launch vehicle exploded mid-air during the first stage of flight on Monday evening.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, preliminary findings indicate that the failure was likely related to a newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
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.
Establishment-critical narrative
Given that North Korea has openly tested its intercontinental ballistic missile systems, it's evident that its satellite launches are no longer used as a cover for its ballistic missile program. Whether you agree or not with the political goals and military strategies from the North, capabilities such as spy satellites can help promote regional stability.