Seoul: North Korea has begun preparing for a long-range rocket launch next month despite international condemnation, according to satellite images published by a US-based website. The images taken yesterday show that work to prepare the launch pad appears to be under way, according to the 38 North website.
The website (38north.org), which specialises in analysis of the country, published several images taken by private US firm DigitalGlobe.
The North insists it will go ahead with what it calls the peaceful launch of a scientific satellite from its Tongchang-ri site in the far northwest.
The United States and other nations say the exercise is a disguised long-range missile test in breach of UN resolutions and of a US-North Korean deal reached last month.
The website said the detailed images show the mobile launch pad sitting on tracks next to the gantry tower. It said a crane atop the tower was at a 45 degree angle relative to the pad, indicating equipment was being loaded onto the gantry, and numerous small objects and people could be sighted on the pad. A work crew appeared to be cutting away brush, possibly to prevent the spread of any fire started by the launch.
At the two largest propellant storage buildings to the right of the launch pad, containing tanks to supply the Unha-3 rocket’s first stage, trucks could be seen delivering fuel and oxidiser, it said. 38 North said launch pad preparation “seems to be progressing on schedule” and the next step would be the movement of the rocket’s first stage to the pad, probably on March 30 or 31.
This would be followed by the second stage a day or two later, with the third stage and payload likely following by April 2 or 3.
“Unless some major setback occurs, the North Koreans will be able to launch during the declared launch window starting April 12,” it said.
The North has said it will launch the satellite some time in the morning between April 12-16 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of founding president Kim Il-Sung.
It says the satellite will estimate crop yields and collect weather data. among other civilian missions, and rejects strong criticism from leaders including US President Barack Obama. (AFP)