Seoul – The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has reported that North Korea's recent successful launch of a military spy satellite was aided by technological assistance from Russia. This assessment was shared during a closed-door meeting of the parliamentary intelligence committee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoo Sang-bum of the ruling People Power Party. The NIS believes that the North Korean satellite has successfully entered orbit. Intelligence indicates a close collaboration between North Korea and Russia following a rare summit in September between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this summit, Putin reportedly pledged support for North Korea's launch vehicles. Pyongyang is said to have provided blueprints and data from its previous failed satellite launches, to which Russia responded with analytical support.
The recent launch, conducted hours before a scheduled 10-day launch window, was apparently timed to capitalize on favorable weather conditions. Debris analysis from North Korea's first launch attempt in May suggests that the satellite had lower resolution than a "sub-meter class" satellite, which typically has reconnaissance capabilities.
Additionally, the NIS reported on North Korea's ongoing efforts to develop a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), although the country is still in the early stages of this development. The agency also noted the unlikelihood of North Korea conducting its seventh nuclear test in the near future, estimating a low chance of such a test occurring in 2023. However, the possibility remains for 2024, contingent upon Kim Jong-un's decision.
The NIS concluded that another satellite launches by North Korea this year is unlikely.