After months of trying, North Korea appears to have finally succeeded in putting its first military spy satellite into orbit, and the important question now is what comes next.

Assuming the satellite functions as intended and remains in contact with DPRK base stations, the launch means Pyongyang has accomplished a key part of its five-year military development plan introduced in 2021.

Analysts say the reconnaissance satellite could provide North Korea with better intelligence on military movements in neighboring countries, improve its targeting capabilities and help it to assess damage in a conflict.

The DPRK