Almost Everything You’ve Heard About the North Korean Space Launch Is Wrong

Publications and political leaders rushed to criticize a North Korea launch, yet much of the information was inaccurate, explains US space policy specialist Brian Weeden. Analyzing the launch and its purpose could take months. So far, evidence suggests that it was a satellite launch. While all nations have the right to explore space, the UN Security Council has passed two resolutions, considered binding international law for UN members, on restricting launches by North Korea. “The real crux is what can or will be done about it,” Weeden reports. “North Korea is gambling that the punishment for violating international law is further sanctions, which it has shown it can withstand or manipulate to some degree.” North Korea likely attempted a disinformation campaign around the launch, timing it to avoid satellite surveillance, but Weeden suggests the maneuvers did not fool top space analysts. Surveillance technology is top secret, and the US is keeping mum. The satellite is likely not functional, so North Korea essentially added to space debris. Still, such launches contribute to long-range launch expertise. – YaleGlobal