North Korea calls failed spy satellite launch ‘the most serious’ shortcoming
NBCJun 08, 2023
The Facts
On Thursday, North Korea attempted and failed to put a military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit for the second time in three months.
Malligyong-1's launch reportedly failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third stage of its flight. The country will make a third attempt in October after concluding an investigation into Malligyong-1's failure.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The development of reconnaissance satellites is essential to North Korea's military strength. With the increasing instability of the Korean Peninsula due to hostile foreign actors, protecting the nation and increasing the power of the state's deterrents is necessary to bolster defense and security.
Pro-establishment narrative
While it may claim that military spy satellites are justified and legitimate in defending its sovereignty and security against the US and its allies, the truth is that North Korea is using ballistic missile technology to compete with other growing space powers in the region, and is further fueling instability with provocative escalations.
