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Construction complete at North Korea rocket launch pad, says report

The station, located in Tongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province, was recently adding an extension to its rocket-launching platform.

By Elizabeth Shim
North Korea's launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 in 2009. North Korea has completed work on a gantry that can be used to prepare rockets horizontally before launch. File Photo by Yonhap
North Korea's launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 in 2009. North Korea has completed work on a gantry that can be used to prepare rockets horizontally before launch. File Photo by Yonhap

SEOUL, July 28 (UPI) -- Construction at a North Korea launch pad has been completed as uncertainty remained over whether Pyongyang will use the structure to send a rocket into orbit.

Satellite images analyzed on 38 North, a Johns Hopkins University website dedicated to North Korea issues, indicated a movable framework for rocket support has been completed since construction began in spring 2015 at Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

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The gantry can be used to prepare the rockets horizontally in a new launch support building at the end of the pad, before being moved to another structure that is several stories high.

The station, located in Tongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province, was recently adding an extension to its rocket-launching platform.

Seoul has said the platform is being built to shoot rockets, but Pyongyang claims that it is pursuing a peaceful satellite launch.

In 2012, Pyongyang used the platform to launch the Unha-3 that fell into the Yellow Sea. The debris of a second stage launch fell into the Philippine Sea after an object had entered orbit.

The 38 North report stated a movable support platform, larger than expected and measuring 24 meters long, 30 meters wide and 33 meters in height has been completed.

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The movable platform would travel to the launch tower where each completed assembly is stacked and "final checkout takes place."

North Korea could accommodate rockets taller than the Unha-3 with a stacking approach, the analysts said.

The report stated there were no signs test preparations were underway to support a long-range rocket launch and a July 21 image showed that vegetation at the bottom of the blast diverter had not been disturbed. But uncertainty remains in Seoul and Washington over North Korea's plans around Oct. 10, when the country is to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party.

Yonhap reported Jang Il Hun, the North Korean ambassador to the U.N., said on Tuesday Pyongyang can "freely do" what it wants and that in response to U.S. military deterrence and pressure North Korea can take actions with a modernized and expanded arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Jang said that he is not in a position to say exactly what is to happen on Oct. 10, the day of the North Korea anniversary.

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