'Upgrades under way at NK long-range rocket site'

New road construction and other upgrades are under way at North Korea's long-range rocket launch site, although there is no sign of preparations for a rocket launch or an engine test, a website monitoring the North said Thursday.

   Commercial satellite imagery taken of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station "indicate upgrades are in progress at North Korea's main space launch facility, including new road construction throughout the site, new guard or observation positions and excavation near the launch pad, the purpose of which is yet unclear," the website 38 North said.

(Yonhap)

   
"Natural-color and infrared imagery indicate there have not been any unreported rocket engine tests during the past month, and no preparations for a new engine test or satellite launch are apparent. No other activity of significance is noted at the site," 38 North said.

   "Low-level construction has been ongoing at the Sohae facility for the past three years and is an indicator of North Korea's long-term commitment to the facility and its space launch programs," it said. (Yonhap)