North Korea’s Satellite Facility Nearing Completion—Is a Showdown with the U.S. Coming Soon?

As recent satellite imagery reveals, North Korea is nearing completion of a multi-purpose satellite launch facility. The image shows the roof installation on the satellite assembly building at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province, has been completed.

Commercial satellite images from Planet Labs show that a horizontal assembly building, approximately 1 kilometer north of the existing launch pad at the Sohae facility, is almost complete. The structure is entirely covered by a metal roof about 160 meters (525 feet) long.

Voice of America (VOA) reported on Saturday that an analysis of these satellite images indicates that the previously unfinished roof sections have now been filled in. This suggests that the roof construction of the assembly building is in its final stages.

The satellite imagery shows that the building’s exterior walls have taken shape. While the interior remains difficult to assess, VOA reports that the completion of the exterior likely indicates that interior work is also nearing completion.

The horizontal assembly building at North Korea’s multi-purpose satellite launch site is a critical facility for the final assembly and inspection of launch vehicles and satellites. It allows for horizontal assembly and final checks before the cars and satellites are positioned vertically on the launch pad.

This facility has been a priority for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has emphasized its modernization since March 2022. As a result, a large-scale dock and extensive supporting infrastructure have been constructed about 3 kilometers east of the launch site.

Significant infrastructure improvements are evident in the area surrounding the Sohae launch site. A coastal road is continuously expanding to replace the previously narrow access routes.

Analysts believe North Korea’s investment in military reconnaissance satellites indicates that launches could begin soon after the facility’s completion. However, with the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Pyongyang appears to be exercising caution regarding major provocations, carefully considering the timing of any potential launches. Military intelligence sources report North Korea has not yet shown signs of an imminent multi-purpose satellite launch.