A report from the Korea Central News Agency states the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is preparing to launch another satellite later this month.

A Dec. 1 statement from the Korean Committee for Space Technology notes, “Scientists and technicians of the DPRK analyzed the mistakes that were made during the previous April launch and deepened the work of improving the reliability and precision of the satellite and carrier rocket, thereby rounding off the preparations for launch.”

The statement continues, “The polar-orbiting earth observation satellite will blast off southward from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province by carrier rocket Unha-3 in the period between December 10 and 22. A safe flight path has been chosen so that parts of the carrier rocket that might fall during the launch process would not affect neighboring countries.”

The statement also notes, “At the time of the April launch, the DPRK ensured utmost transparency of the peaceful scientific and technological satellite launch and promoted international trust in the fields of space science researches and satellite launch. The DPRK will fully comply with relevant international regulations and usage as regards the upcoming launch, too.”

On Dec. 4, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton complained about the planned satellite launch at a meeting of NATO representatives. To the dismay of U.S. policy makers, the DPRK has made real strides in developing space technology and defends it right to do so.

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