spacetoday.net: North Korea launches reconnaissance satellite

Posted: Sat, Nov 25, 2023, 8:30 AM ET (1330 GMT)
Chollima-1 North Korean launch, Nov 2023 (KCNA)

North Korea appears to have successfully placed a reconnaissance satellite into orbit after two failed attempts earlier this year. A Chollima-1 rocket lifted off from the Tongchang-ri launch site at 8:42 am EST (1342 GMT) Tuesday and placed into orbit a reconnaissance satellite called Malligyong-1, according to North Korea's state-run news service. South Korean and U.S. officials later confirmed that the launch was successful, but had no information about the health of the satellite. North Korea attempted two launches in May and August, also carrying spysats, but both failed to reach orbit. South Korean officials believe this launch was successful because of technical assistance from Russia after North Korea agreed to sell it munitions. Japan, South Korea and the U.S. all condemned the launch for violating United Nations resolutions banning space launches by North Korea because they could be used to advance development of long-range missiles.