A rocket by North Korea meant to deploy the country's second spy satellite exploded shortly after taking off on Monday, May 27.
This unexpected event casts doubt on North Korea's efforts to enhance its satellite surveillance capabilities and raises concerns about the reliability of its aerospace technology.
People watch a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on May 17, 2024. (Photo : JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Satellite Launch of North Korea Fails
North Korea's attempt to launch its second spy satellite faced a setback as the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. The Associated Press reported that this represents a significant blow to leader Kim Jong Un's aspirations of utilizing satellites for monitoring activities in the United States and South Korea.
Following the unsuccessful launch, leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan convened in Seoul for their first trilateral meeting in over four years. The timing of North Korea's provocative action amid China's active engagement in regional diplomacy is highly unusual, given the close ties between the two countries.
The launch prompted criticism from neighboring countries, as North Korea's actions contravene the United Nations' prohibition on such launches, which are often seen as veiled attempts to test long-range missile capabilities.
The rocket, carrying a spy satellite, was launched from its primary northwestern space center. However, shortly after liftoff, the rocket reportedly suffered an engine malfunction, resulting in its failure during the initial stage of flight.
An unnamed vice director of the National Aerospace Technology Administration suggested that the explosion may have been caused by reliability issues with the newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine. Investigations will be conducted to explore other potential causes of the explosion.
Previously, North Korea informed Japan's coast guard about its scheduled launch and warned about potential risks in the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, China, and the eastern region of the Philippines' Luzon island from May 27 to June 3.
Before the launch, North Korea informed Japan's coast guard about its intended rocket launch and highlighted possible dangers in the waters with the advisory effective from Monday through June 3. North Korea has consistently asserted its entitlement to conduct satellite launches and missile tests.
Regional Reactions to Satellite Launch of North Korea
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara labeled North Korea's satellite launch a significant global challenge. On the other hand, South Korea's Unification Ministry described it as "a provocation that seriously threatens our and regional security," the AP reported.
In a trilateral meeting earlier Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the necessity of firm international measures should North Korea proceed with its launch intentions.
While Kishida urged North Korea to reconsider its launch plans, Li made general remarks about fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through diplomatic means without specifically addressing the launch plan.
Known for its careful management of its global image, China has aligned with Russia in obstructing US-led initiatives at the UN Security Council to tighten sanctions on North Korea.
However, China has been more subtle and reserved in its support for Kim's agenda of a new Cold War. In response to a joint statement issued by Li, Yoon, and Kishida, North Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke, condemning it as unwarranted meddling in its internal affairs.
The ministry particularly objected to aspects of the statement that reiterated the leaders' established positions on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Even though North Korea mainly blamed South Korea for the statement, it is rare for the country to criticize a statement signed by China.
