'N. Korea can attack satellites with missiles,' says the Pentagon

The Voice of America reported Wednesday that North Korea, which possesses a high level of ballistic missile technology along with its nuclear development, is capable of attacking satellites on space orbits, citing a report of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the U.S. Department of Defense.

According to the DIA report titled "Challenges to Security in Space," North Korea has been categorized as "potential threats" that may harm the security of space along with Russia, China, and Iran. “North Korea also has ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles that can reach orbit and could, in theory, be used to target satellites in a conflict,” said the report.

The report analyzed that North Korea is using space-based services such as reconnaissance and communication. As a result, it is able to maintain electric warfare ability and may aim orbit satellites with its missiles and advanced satellite rockets.

“North Korea has demonstrated non-kinetic counterspace capabilities, including GPS and satellite communication jamming,” said the DIA report.

The report also assessed that although North Korea claimed that it placed two satellites in orbit for its space ambitions, its (satellite) program tested a ballistic missile technology under the guise of peaceful use of space. The report pointed out that North Korea has developed a long-range multi-level ballistic missile by disguising satellite launches.


Mi-Kyung Jung mickey@donga.com