North Korea is constantly testing new missiles. Pyongyang is now announcing that it is in the final testing phase for a spy satellite. Western observers fear that the country could soon face a nuclear test. Ruler Kim Jong Un has already described 2023 as a "historic year".
North Korea says it has carried out final tests for a spy satellite. Among other things, the capabilities for image and data transmission were tested on Sunday, reported the state news agency KCNA. The satellite should be completed next April. A carrier system with a dummy satellite was also launched.
The South Korean military previously said North Korea had launched a ballistic missile from the east coast. Japanese broadcaster NHK, citing unnamed government officials, reported that the rocket fell into the sea outside Japan's economic zone.
North Korea has tested more missiles than ever this year. In one of the most powerful missile tests to date, North Korea fired an ICBM in November, which, according to Japanese sources, landed west of the island of Hokkaido. The missile appeared to be North Korea's latest ICBM with a potential range that could hit the US mainland. Experts refer to them as "monster rockets".
Fears are currently growing that the internationally isolated country could face a nuclear test for the first time since 2017. North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un has announced that he wants to build his country into the world's most powerful nuclear power. Kim wants to set his country's political course for next year at a party conference in December. According to state media, he described 2023 as a "historic year".
