North Korea appears to have tested a rocket engine in recent weeks at the country’s main space launch complex, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery, as Pyongyang continues to prepare its first satellite launch of the year. 

Planet Labs satellite imagery shows what appears to be vegetation die-off under the vertical engine test stand at the Sohae Satellite Launching Grounds between April 21 and 26, likely caused by intense heat and exposure to chemicals emitted during a lengthy engine burn.

Infrared and true-color high-resolution images show the die-off more clearly between April 21 and 28, while a medium-resolution image shows it had already occurred by April 26.

NK Pro previously spotted an engine test at the same site in mid-July last year, just over a month before a failed Chollima-1 rocket launch. The same area of vegetation didn’t appear to die off after that test but did after tests in late 2019, Planet Labs imagery shows, likely due to a difference in wind and other conditions. 

Pyongyang succeeded in putting its Malligyong-1 military reconnaissance satellite into orbit on a third attempt last November, and promised in December to put three more military satellites into orbit in 2024.

The three attempts last year each took place around three months apart. North Korea still has time to achieve its goal this year if it keeps to a similar schedule without any launch failures. 

ROK military authorities said late last month that North Korea appeared to have “delayed” a planned satellite launch, stating that it did not appear imminent at the time.

Activity has remained high at the launch complex in recent weeks, including new construction around the launchpad. 

The vertical engine test stand has typically been used for liquid-fuel rocket engines like those used in long-range nuclear missiles and satellite carrier rockets, while a new horizontal stand was built next door last year for solid-fuel engines and was last used for a test in March.

Edited by Bryan Betts