North Korea confirms new tests on spy satellite
ABC News
North Korea says it has performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy satellite, in the second such tests in about a week
SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy satellite, state media said Sunday, in the second such tests in about a week, indicating the country intends to conduct a prohibited long-range rocket launch soon.
The moves come as North Korea has been carrying out a spate of ballistic missile launches - including one detected by its neighbors on Saturday - in what experts call an attempt to add new weapons systems to its arsenal and pressure the United States into making concessions amid stalled diplomacy.
On Sunday, the North's Korean Central News Agency said it conducted “another important test” the previous day under its plan to develop a reconnaissance satellite. It said authorities confirmed the reliability of the satellite's data transmission and reception system, in addition to its control and command system and various ground-based control systems.
KCNA didn’t directly mention any missile or rocket launches to conduct such satellite-related tests, but it apparently referred to the North’s ninth round of missile launches this year, which Seoul, Washington and Tokyo spotted on Saturday.
