North Korean spy satellite captures US base and aircraft carrier immediately after entering orbit

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited the Pyongyang Joint Control Center of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA). The visit was to learn about the preparation process for the operation of the Malligyong-1 spy satellite, which was successfully launched by the country on November 21.

During the visit, Chairman Kim Jong-un viewed satellite photos of key target areas including Mokpo, Gunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, Seoul and other areas in the south and north, as the satellite flew over the Korean Peninsula from 10:15 a.m. to 10:27 a.m. on November 24.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits the Pyongyang Joint Control Center of the State Aerospace Technology Administration on November 25. (Photo: KCNA)

Pyeongtaek is home to Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas. Other U.S. military bases are also located in Gunsan and Osan.

North Korea does not release photos taken by its spy satellites. If the KCNA report is accurate, satellite imagery could confirm that the satellites are operating normally in orbit.

NATA also reported to leader Kim Jong-un on the process that took place in the 62 hours after the reconnaissance satellite was put into orbit and the plan to take pictures of areas in South Korea.

In a later report, KCNA continued to say that Kim Jong-un visited NATA again on the morning of November 25 to inspect satellite images of key target areas, including Jinhae, Busan, Ulsan, Pohang, Daegu and Gangneung, taken between 9:59 a.m. and 10:02 a.m. on November 25.

North Korea claims the satellite also took photos of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, currently docked at a naval base in Busan, 320km southeast of Seoul, at 10:01 a.m. on November 25.

Leader Kim Jong-un then viewed photos of the US naval base in Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu as the Malligyong-1 satellite flew over Hawaii at 5:13 a.m. on November 25, according to KCNA.

Pyongyang Joint Control Center of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA). (Photo: KCNA)

Earlier, on November 21, North Korea announced that it had successfully launched the Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit for the first time. This move is considered a violation of United Nations resolutions banning Pyongyang from using technology applied to ballistic missile programs.

South Korea confirmed that a North Korean satellite has entered orbit but it will take time to assess whether the satellite is functioning normally.

North Korea this week announced it was scrapping a 2018 security pact with South Korea, restoring all military measures it had suspended and pledging to send stronger forces and new weapons to the border.

North Korea also accused South Korea of scrapping the agreement and said Seoul would "take full responsibility in case of an irreparable clash" between the two Koreas.

Tra Khanh (Yonhap)

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