Timeline: North Korea’s space program, satellite launch attempts
North Korea has notified Japan of a plan to launch a rocket carrying a space satellite between Nov. 22 and Dec. 1, which would be the third attempt by Pyongyang to put a military spy satellite in orbit after two failures this year.
In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said during a tour he gave of a modern space launch station that Moscow would help Pyongyang build a satellite.
The following is a timeline of North Korea’s space program, satellite launches and development of rocket technology:
Aug. 31, 1998
North Korea begins its space program by launching a Kwangmyongsong-1 satellite on a Paektusan rocket from the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground near the east coast. Pyongyang declares it a success, but US officials say it broke up over the Pacific Ocean.
April 5, 2009
Then-leader Kim Jong Il oversees the launch of the Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite from the Tonghae complex, but it again fails and crashes in the ocean. State media suggest that 14 North Korean soldiers were killed during the launch.
April 13, 2012
The Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite is launched from the newly completed Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the western region. Foreign media are invited to observe the launch, which once again is unsuccessful.
Dec. 12, 2012
North Korea successfully launches a second version of the Kwangmyongsong-3, putting an object in orbit. While the North claims it to be an observation satellite, it is not believed to carry a functioning transmission system.
April 2013
North Korea establishes the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) which purports to pursue space exploration for peaceful purposes.
Feb. 7, 2016
North Korea launches a satellite. The United States calls it a disguised test of an engine powerful enough to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). International observers say the satellite appears to be under control, but there is lingering debate over whether it sent any transmissions.
Aug. 24, 2016
Hyon Kwang-il, director of scientific research at NADA, says “our aerospace scientists will conquer space and definitely plant the flag of North Korea on the moon.”
June 23, 2016
North Korea says it successfully tested an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), with a range of 2,000 to 3,400 miles (3,200-5,400 km).
July 4, 2017
North Korea tests an ICBM for the first time, which it says has the potential to reach the continental United States. The missile, Hwasong-14, is tested again three weeks later.
Jan. 13, 2021
During a party congress, Kim Jong Un reveals a wish list that includes developing military reconnaissance satellites.
Dec. 19, 2022
North Korea says it has conducted a “final phase” test for the development of a spy satellite at the Sohae launch station.
March 16, 2023
North Korea test-launches the Hwasong-17 ICBM, its biggest missile, which some analysts believe incorporates technology for space launch vehicles.
May 25, 2023
Construction and preparations at the Sohae launch station are moving forward at a “remarkable pace,” a US-based think tank says. May 29, 2023: North Korea notifies Japan and the International Maritime Organization of a plan to launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11.
May 31, 2023
North Korea attempts to launch a reconnaissance satellite, but the rocket plunges into the sea.
July 5, 2023
South Korea’s military says it retrieved the wreckage of the spy satellite from the sea, and found it had no meaningful military use as a reconnaissance platform.
Aug. 22, 2023
North Korea notifies Japan it will launch a satellite between Aug. 24 and Aug. 31 and the rocket will fly over the waters west of the Korean peninsula, the East China Sea and the Pacific.
Aug. 24, 2023
North Korea makes a second attempt to put a spy satellite in orbit, but it fails when the rocket booster experiences a problem. North Korea’s spy agency says it was not a major issue and vows to try another launch in October.
Sept. 13, 2023
Putin says Moscow will help North Korea build satellites during a tour he gives to Kim Jong Un of Russia’s modern space station in eastern Russia. Neither leader elaborates.
Nov. 21, 2023
North Korea notifies Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between Nov. 22 and Dec. 1, which would be the third such attempt, according to Japan’s Coast Guard.
