Tokyo, 7 March, /AJMEDIA
North Korea’s latest launch was conducted to develop a reconnaissance satellite, state-run media reported Sunday, a day after what was described by neighboring countries as a ballistic missile launch toward the Sea of Japan.
Saturday’s test indicated that North Korea is seeking to develop its weapons capabilities while the United States is focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some foreign affairs experts said.
The missile is believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone after flying around 300 kilometers apparently on a lofted trajectory and reaching an altitude of about 550 km, the Japanese Defense Ministry said.
North Korea also carried out a test for the development of a reconnaissance satellite system last Sunday.
Pyongyang has fired projectiles nine times this year but did not test weapons during the 17-day Beijing Winter Olympics through Feb. 20 in consideration of China, its close economic and security ally.
North Korea’s National Aerospace Development Administration and Academy of Defense Science “confirmed the reliability of data transmission and reception system of the satellite,” the official Korean Central News Agency reported.
