Recent DPRK state media articles come amid construction of domestic space-related infrastructure

A North Korean media outlet drew attention on Friday to the peaceful nature of international space exploration efforts, but raised concerns about how some countries are attempting to militarize space.

Coming amid ongoing North Korean efforts to expand or modify domestic space launch infrastructure, the English-languagePyongyang Timesarticle could hint at a re-emerging but controversial area of priority interest for the DPRK.

Many countries are concentrating state investment on the space industry with projects for the development of outer space gaining strength internationally, the Pyongyang Timessaid, reflecting an article it published in June.

The Friday report drew attention to space-faring efforts by China, India, Iran, Myanmar, and Russia, describing them as brisk activities for the development of outer space for peaceful purposes on a worldwide scale.

But the article also warned of risky moves to militarize outer space, noting U.S. President Trumps recent request for the Department of Defense to create a space force.

Furthermore, it referenced French and Japanese plans to pursue space command forces, echoing a report published on August 5 by the Norths party daily Rodong Sinmun.

Overall, mentions of satellite launching capabilities and space exploration in DPRK state media are far from peak levels, an analysis of data aggregated byKCNA Watch showed.

But recent mentions by the North have been mostly aimed at criticizing Japanese military ambitions or reflecting on prior satellite launches through the lens of broader historical accomplishments.

As a result, the tone in some recent articles strikes a different chord.

In that regard, NK Pro contributing analyst Ankit Panda said the latestPyongyang Timesarticlesought to underscore that space activities are global by citing a range of recent launches and upcoming launches by countries big and small alike.

In the past, before major space launches, we similarly saw articles discussing the use of space.

(But) given the nonauthoritative vehicle here, we cant make all too much of it, he continued. But its notable to see talk of space launches in North Korean media.

As weve learned recently, the North Koreans have also clearly been expanding the Pyongyang satellite control center; Sohae, too, remains well-maintained and usable if needed.

In addition to ongoing developments at the two sites, representatives of the DPRKs National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) told an NK News contributor in late 2017 that the country had plans to launch two further satellites.

Though those plans have yet to materialize, international observers are concerned that Pyongyang might seek to maintain its launch capability even though it announced an April 2018 moratorium of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and nuclear device testing.

Edited by James Fretwell

Main picture: KCNA

A North Korean media outlet drew attention on Friday to the peaceful nature of international space exploration efforts, but raised concerns about how some countries are attempting to militarize space. Coming amid ongoing North Korean efforts to expand or modify domestic space launch infrastructure, the English-languagePyongyang Timesarticle could hint at a re-emerging but controversial area

Originally posted here:

North Korea highlights global interest in space exploration, militarization - NK News