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Interpreting North Korea’s Failed Satellite Launch
On 31 May, Pyongyang tried – and failed – to send a military reconnaissance satellite into space.
- In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Chris Green explains why it took this action and what can be done to keep regional tensions from rising.
What happened?
At 6:27am on 31 May, North Korea launched its Chollima-1 rocket, intending to place in orbit the Malligyong-1, which it describes as a military reconnaissance satellite.
The launch drew extensive international condemnation because many suspect that such a launch, which came after a six-year hiatus, is a disguised way for Pyongyang to test its long-range ballistic missile technology, rather than part of a…