North Korea to launch spy satellite into orbit

North Korea, which has caused controversy on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding region by continuing its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, has now issued a "satellite" warning.

Pyongyang, which notified the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), announced that it would attempt to launch a satellite between May 27 and June 3.

While North Korea warned that the rocket or rocket parts carrying the satellite could fall into the Yellow Sea and the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, the JCG, which has been put on alert, called on ships sailing in the region to be cautious.

THE CLAIM CAME FROM SOUTH KOREA

The South Korean military had announced that it had detected possible signs of preparations for a satellite launch, which could be an attempt by the nuclear-armed North to place a second military reconnaissance vehicle into orbit.

North Korea launched its first spy satellite last year and claimed that leader Kim Jong Un had examined photos taken of the White House and the Pentagon, as well as other parts of the world.

The Pyongyang administration had also announced that it aimed to send new satellites into orbit in 2024.

WHAT IS A SPY SATELLITE?

Spy satellites can be used for both military and intelligence purposes.

They can perform intelligence tasks such as detecting troop movements, monitoring the dismantling of nuclear weapons and radio signals, detecting launched missiles, and providing precise location information.

These satellites, which fly in Earth's orbit, can scan the Earth with their cameras. It is estimated that these satellites can see objects as small as 10 cm wide.