North Korea To Launch Rockets And Multiple Satellites Into Space, Confirmed Directors of the National Aeronautical Development Association
An exclusive interview with two senior directors of the National Aeronautical Development Association (NADA) confirmed the launch of rockets and "multiple satellites" into space by North Korea's new satellite control center in Pyongyang, reported CNN on Wednesday.
The senior directors asserted that North Korea's move is a just for the purpose of space exploration - nothing violent or harmful as most are speculating. Scientists of the project, in fact, are taking offense at the speculation of a covert ballistic missile development program even before the satellite control center was opened.
"Following the instructions of Marshall Kim Jong Un we scientists here are working very hard, you can't imagine how hard, to develop in the shortest possible time, multi-functional, highly reliable Earth observation satellites," explained director of scientific development in NADA Hyon Gwang Il. "We are trying to show to the world how patriotic we are and how creative we are as scientists."
"The satellites we are going to launch imminently are Earth observation satellites," added Kim Gun Song who is in charge of the Satellite Control Center. "We believe those satellites will be of much benefit to the national economy in general and improving the people's living standards in particular."
Despite North America's claim of a peaceful launch, the world still remains on edge and is watchful of the country's upcoming moves. LA Times reported on Saturday, the U.S. intelligence analysts are on their toes investigating on the newly opened North Korean satellite control center, although no apparent threats have been observed.
"The technology they use on their rockets is nearly the same as what's used on an intercontinental ballistic missile", said a U.S. official. "That's what has our attention."
Meanwhile, NPR also noted on Saturday China has also called for North Korea to stop any space launch and even nuclear tests that may cause further tensions between North and South Korea.
"We call on all sides to adopt a responsible attitude toward the peninsula as well as the region of northeast Asia," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, "and never again take any new action that could lead to tensions in the situation there."
No further details on the specific date and timeframe of the launch has been given by North Korea's satellite control center yet.
