SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea’s inaugural spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, has displayed signs of operational activity, affirming Pyongyang’s control over the spacecraft, although its exact capabilities remain shrouded in mystery, according to experts.
The Malligyong-1 was successfully launched into orbit in November following two previous failed attempts. Despite claims by North Korea’s state media that the satellite has been actively photographing sensitive military and political sites in South Korea, the United States, and elsewhere, no imagery has been released to confirm these assertions. Moreover, independent radio trackers have not detected any signals from the satellite.
However, recent observations suggest that the Malligyong-1 is indeed operational. Marco Langbroek, a satellite expert from the Delft University of Technology, noted that the satellite executed maneuvers from February 19 to February 24 to raise its orbit’s lowest point, indicating North Korea’s ability to control it. Langbroek’s analysis was based on data from the U.S.led Combined Space Operations Center.
“The manoeuvre proves that Malligyong-1 is not dead, and that North Korea has control over the satellite – something that was disputed,” Langbroek stated in a blog post.
South Korea’s Defence Ministry confirmed the satellite’s presence in orbit but refrained from providing further analysis. Defence Minister Shin Won-sik remarked that while the satellite is operational, it has not shown any signs of engaging in reconnaissance or other tasks beyond its orbital manoeuvres.
Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell also weighed in, suggesting that the satellite’s recent movements appear to be corrective rather than hostile. He emphasized that the Malligyong-1’s size makes it unlikely to possess aggressive capabilities and noted the increasing importance of space in various domains, including communications, commerce, and military operations.
The unexpected orbital adjustments of the Malligyong-1 have raised eyebrows in the space community. Langbroek highlighted the significance of the satellite’s onboard propulsion system, which could extend its operational lifespan by adjusting its altitude as needed.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding its capabilities, North Korea has announced plans to launch three additional spy satellites in 2024, underscoring the regime’s continued investment in space-based assets.
