NK leader-space development
N. Korea's Kim orders launch of military reconnaissance satellite as planned
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un instructed officials to make preparations to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite as planned, the North's state media reported Wednesday.
Kim made the remarks during an on-site inspection to the North's space development agency a day earlier, as Pyongyang has vowed to complete preparations of the launch of a military spy satellite by the end of this month, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the visit, Kim stressed the importance of space development as a "core" factor for the North to advance to a global powerhouse in areas like the economy, science and technology.
The KCNA said that Kim highlighted the planned launch and operation of the reconnaissance satellite as a "priority" in the face of worrying security circumstances, such as moves to strengthen the alliance between South Korea and the United States.
In December last year, North Korea released black-and-white photos of Seoul and a port in Incheon, 27 kilometers west of the capital, which it said were shot from its "test-piece satellite."
Earlier this month, the North highlighted the 10th founding anniversary of the National Aerospace Development Administration, the state agency in charge of developing satellites.
NK's Kim orders the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite as planned[https://youtu.be/jRstywZV8ro]
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