North Korea readies another satellite launch

North Korean technicians are now making initial preparations for the launch of a Unha-3 satellite launch vehicle, having notified the International Maritime Organisation and the country's neighbours that the launch is set for between 10 and 22 December.

The trajectory of the launch will apparently be southwards, following a similar intended flight path to the country's failed attempt to launch a satellite back in April.

IHS Jane's analysis of GeoEye-1 commercial satellite imagery taken on 1 and 4 December of the satellite launch station at Sohae in Cholsan County, North Pyongan province, highlights evidence of increased activity throughout the complex.

The most significant visible increase in activity is on the launch pad itself; while little activity is noted in the 1 December image, the 4 December image shows that the gantry crane on top of the launch tower has moved slightly. There is also an object directly under the gantry arm on the launch pad that may be a portion of the shroud commonly used to shelter and obfuscate ongoing preparations within the launch tower.