Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 Explained

Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2
Mission Type:Communication/Technology
Operator:KCST
Mission Duration:Failed to orbit
Launch Date: UTC
Launch Rocket:Unha-2
Launch Site:Tonghae
Orbit Epoch:Claimed
Orbit Reference:Geocentric
Orbit Regime:Low Earth
Orbit Inclination:40.6 degrees
Orbit Period:104.2 minutes
Apsis:gee
Hangul:광명성 2호
Hanja:光明星 2號
Rr:Gwangmyeongseong-2
Mr:Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2
Context:north

Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 (Korean: 광명성 2호, meaning Bright Star-2[1] or Lode Star-2[2]) was a satellite launched by North Korea on April 5, 2009.

Prior to the launch, concern was raised by other nations, particularly the United States, South Korea and Japan, that the launch would test technology that could be used in the future to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile.[3] The launch of the rocket was sharply condemned by the United States[4] and the European Union,[5] while the People's Republic of China[6] and Russia[7] urged restraint. On April 13, 2009, the United Nations Security Council issued a Presidential Statement condemning the launch as a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 (2006).[8] [9] One day after, on April 14, 2009, North Korea called the Presidential Statement an infringement on a country's right for space exploration embodied in the Outer Space Treaty and withdrew from Six Party Talks.[10]

Etymology

The name "Kwangmyŏngsŏng" is in reference to a lodestar. According to some, it is richly symbolic for North Korean nationalism and the Kim family cult. Even though the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was born in the village of Vyatskoye near Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East,[11] DPRK sources claim Kim was born on Mount Paektu, and on that day a bright lode star (kwangmyŏngsŏng) appeared in the sky, so everyone knew a new general had been born.

Pre-launch announcement

The launch was first publicly announced on February 24, 2009, when the Korean Central News Agency reported that they had been informed by the Korean Committee of Space Technology that preparations for a satellite launch were underway, and that the satellite would be launched from Musudan-ri in Hwadae.[12] At about the same time, Kim Jong-il visited the province where the launch site is located, as he had immediately prior to the previous launch on July 4, 2006. In addition, on February 26, 2009, KCNA revealed that the KCST had a long-term plan of putting various types of satellites into orbit.[13]

International response to the announcement

Prior to the official announcement that the launch would be of a satellite-carrying rocket, it was reported that North Korea was preparing to test a missile in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. Following the announcement that it was a satellite launch attempt, the US government stated that it would consider intercepting the rocket if it did not appear to be an orbital launch, while Japan ordered the JSDF, on March 26, to intercept debris of the rocket in case the firing failed and fell in Japanese territory or territorial waters.[14] [15] North Korea responded that it would consider any attempt to intercept the launch to be an act of war, the spokesman of the DPRK force said "We will launch thunder and fire not only to projected JSDF interception forces but to important areas of Japan."[16] South Korea,[17] Japan, and the United States deployed their Aegis destroyers and cruisers in the Sea of Japan, destroyers which are equipped with BMD SM-3 missiles. Japan also moved its PAC-3 Patriot ground-based interceptor missiles to bases in Akita and Iwate.[18] U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the U.S. didn't plan to intercept the launching or to shoot down the rocket in flight. Japan deployed their Aegis destroyers to the Sea of Japan, with an order to prepare to shoot down any debris that could fall on Japanese territory. South Korea also dispatched an Aegis-equipped destroyer off the east coast.[19]

NOTAM

On March 12 North Korea announced that it had signed the Outer Space Treaty and the Registration Convention.[20] It also informed the ICAO and IMO that it would conduct a satellite launch between April 4 and 8, during a launch window running from 02:00 to 07:00 UTC. It reported that the rocket's first stage was planned to fall about 650km (400miles) east-north-east of South Korea's Donghae, the second stage would fall about 3600km (2,200miles) downrange, and the third stage would enter low Earth orbit with the satellite.[21] The ICAO map showed danger zone one extending between longitudes 135 and 138 at latitude 40 North, and zone two between longitudes 164 and 172 at latitudes 29 to 34 North.[21] North Korea designated the waters off Japan's Akita and Iwate prefectures as a risk zone for falling debris.[22]

In addition, the SLV will be launched eastward at an angle of 90.5 degrees, meaning it will have a 0.5-degree westward tilt resulting in a longer flight path over Japan, thus avoiding the re-entry of the second stage into the Pacific Ocean off of Hawaii, in order to prevent further criticism from the US but at an increased escalation risk with Japan.

According to North Korean meteorological forecast, the launch site is expected to have either snow or rain in the afternoon on April 4, cloudy skies on April 5 and clear skies from April 6 to 10,[23] as pictures of the assembled launch vehicle were publicly disclosed revealing a quite short third stage with a fairly large nosecone fairing, and a first stage taking up about two-thirds of the launcher. The long first stage has a clearly larger diameter than the shorter second stage.[24] Fueling process was reported to have started on April 2, 2009.[25] On April 4, 2009, KCNA reported that the KCST had completed all the preparations for launch and that lift-off would be imminent.[26] KCST indicated that the weather was the most important factor determining the success of the satellite launch, and terrestrial wind speed should be less than 15m/s. Korean weather forecast predicted that Saturday would be cloudy, with winds between 6m/s10m/s, and Sunday would be very cloudy and windy early on, with clouds and wind starting to die down somewhat in the afternoon. Wind speed would settle to around 3m/s4m/s on Monday and there would be clear weather on Tuesday.

The Japanese government mistakenly announced that the KSCT fired a rocket on April 4, 2009, at about 12 pm. Tokyo time, sending nationwide emergency warnings, only to be retracted less than five minutes later, and announced the error was originated from the JSDF FPS-5 radar's faulty detection.[27]

On April 5, 2009, North Korea announced that the Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 satellite had been officially launched at 11:30:15 (0230 GMT plus 15 seconds); officials in South Korea, Russia and the United States reported that the rocket and its payload had fallen into the Pacific Ocean without having achieved orbit.[28] [29] [30]

Launch details

The launch proceeded in relatively clear weather conditions. The launch pad was at the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground, in the North Korean province of North Hamgyong, near the northern tip of the East Korea Bay. The rocket flew over the Japanese islands, by when it was in outer space at an altitude of over 300 km.[31] North Korea stated the first stage of the rocket would fall in the sea 75km (47miles) west of Japan, and the second stage would fall into the Pacific Ocean.[32] Japanese authorities stated no reports of damage or injury in Japan as a result of the launch, and that the rocket's first stage "landed in the water as had been expected".[32] According to the United States Northern Command, the remaining stages along with the payload itself landed in the Pacific Ocean.[29] Officials and analysts in Seoul said the rocket flew at least, doubling the range of the one that carried Kwangmyŏngsŏng-1 in 1998.[33] Later analysis suggested the rocket impacted from the launch site, and that second stage operated normally but the rocket's third stage failed to separate properly.[34]

The satellite

Pyongyang claimed that Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 was an experimental communications satellite[35] as part of a peaceful space project.[36]

According to state news agency KCNA, which claimed the launch was successful, the satellite's orbital parameters consist of a perigee and apogee, with an orbital period of 104 minutes and 12 seconds and an orbital inclination of 40.6 degrees.[37] The satellite was said to have entered orbit nine minutes and two seconds after launch and began transmitting data and the "Song of General Kim Il-sung" and "Song of General Kim Jong-il" on a frequency of 470 MHz. However, similar claims were made in 1998 for Kwangmyŏngsŏng-1, whose launch attempt is believed to have failed.[38] [39] [40]

According to The Christian Science Monitor, South Korean experts asserted that the satellite was a dummy. Myung Noh-hoon, director of the Space Research Centre at KAIST was quoted as saying "They cannot have been shooting a real satellite. They did not build a satellite."[41] However, in a conflicting statement, an unnamed South Korean official announced that the rocket appeared to have carried a satellite.[39] A senior Russian military source on Monday confirmed U.S and South Korean reports that North Korea failed to place a satellite in orbit saying "Our space monitoring system did not establish the placing into orbit of the North Korean satellite. According to our information, it's just not there".[42]

Accidents during the preparation of launch

On March 3, 2015, it was reported by KCNA and subsequently repeated by Chinese media, e.g. Sina, that Kim Jong-un had visited Unit 447 of the Korean People's Army's Air and Anti-Air Force and planted trees with fighter pilots of the unit in recognition of fourteen pilots, who lost their lives during the launch of Kwangmyongsong-2. Kim Jong Un subsequently visited a monument erected to the memory of the fighters to recognize the heroic feats performed by the 14 fighter pilots in the operation to ensure the successful launch of the satellite. It was also reported that Kim Jong-un had accompanied the then leader Kim Jong-il in 2009 to observe the launch.[43] [44]

North Korean reaction and internal celebrations

A mass rally by thousands of North Koreans took place in Kim Il-sung Square, Pyongyang to celebrate the launch of the satellite.[45] [46]

In August 2009, postage stamps commemorating the launch were brought into circulation. The souvenir sheet says "Launch of Artificial Satellite 'Kwangmyongsong No. 2' in the DPRK".[47]

International response to the launch

Members of the six-party talks

See also: Six-party talks.

International organisations

Other countries

North Korean response to criticism

Shortly after members of the United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned the rocket launch, North Korea responded in a statement released by its foreign ministry on April 14, 2009 that the UN action was an "unbearable insult", and the UN statement infringed its sovereignty and "severely debases" its people. It also decided to quit the six-party talks, saying "There is no need for the six-party talks any more. We will never again take part in such talks and will not be bound by any agreement reached at the talks." The statement added that North Korea intended to "bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defence in every way" and that it would restart the Yongbyon reactor.[61] [62] North Korea partially dismantled the reactor in 2008 as part of an international agreement in return for foreign aid and diplomatic concessions.[62] On April 18, Pyongyang unexpectedly announced that it would interpret sanctions and criticism levelled after the launch as "a declaration of war" and reasserted the North Korean military's willingness to defend against "aggression" from South Korea and the United States.[63] [64] On April 29, it further demanded "apology" from the U.N. Security Council and threatened with more nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile tests.[65] [66] On 25 May, North Korea claimed that it had conducted a second nuclear test.[67]

The International Atomic Energy Agency said on April 14 that North Korea informed its inspectors of immediate cessation of all cooperation with the IAEA and instructed them to leave the country.[68]

Reactions by members of the six-party talks

See also

Notes and References

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  5. Web site: EU condemns launch, China urges calm. Agence France-Presse (AFP). Brisbane Times. August 26, 2012. April 5, 2009.
  6. Web site: China urges calm after North Korea rocket launch. Reuters. August 26, 2012. Ben Blanchard. April 5, 2009.
  7. Web site: Russia urges calm after North Korea rocket launch. Reuters. August 26, 2012. Dmitry Zhdannikov. April 5, 2009.
  8. Web site: UN security council condemns North Korean rocket launch. Associated Press. The Guardian. August 26, 2012. August 13, 2012.
  9. Web site: TEXT-U.N. Security Council statement on N. Korea. Reuters. August 26, 2012. August 13, 2012. January 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160127114834/http://in.reuters.com/article/korea-north-un-text-idINN1333144920090413. dead.
  10. Web site: DPRK Foreign Ministry Vehemently Refutes UNSC's "Presidential Statement". KCNA. April 14, 2009. August 26, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120910123631/http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200904/news14/20090414-23ee.html. September 10, 2012.
  11. News: Profile: Kim Jong-il . BBC News . January 16, 2009 . December 28, 2011.
  12. Web site: Preparations for Launch of Experimental Communications Satellite in Full Gear. KCNA. February 24, 2009. January 12, 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130602044232/http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200902/news24/20090224-06ee.html. June 2, 2013.
  13. Web site: Bellicose Remarks of S. Korean Puppets Blasted. KCNA. February 26, 2009. February 27, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090305221449/http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200902/news26/20090226-17ee.html. March 5, 2009.
  14. News: Japan deploys PAC-3 systems in northern city of Sendai. NECN.com. March 30, 2009. April 8, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090402052223/http://www.necn.com/Boston/World/2009/03/30/Japan-deploys-PAC3-systems-in/1238409093.html. April 2, 2009.
  15. News: N. Korea deploys jets to protect rocket. UPI. April 2, 2009. April 8, 2009.
  16. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan-rising4-2009apr04,0,4255440.story As North Korea counts down, Japan talks tough
  17. Web site: MD system deployment shows mobility key. Shimbun . Yomiuri . April 5, 2009. Daily Yomiuri Online. April 6, 2009. The South Korean Navy, meanwhile, dispatched the King Sejong, its new Aegis-equipped destroyer, to the Sea of Japan..
  18. Web site: Japan takes aim. https://web.archive.org/web/20090330060857/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/KC28Dh01.html. unfit. March 30, 2009. McCurry . Justin . March 28, 2009. Asia Times Online. March 29, 2009.
  19. News: No U.S. Plans to Stop Korea on Missile Test . New York Times. March 30, 2009. April 5, 2009 . Thom . Shanker . Choe . Sang-Hun.
  20. Web site: KCNA Report on DPRK's Accession to International Space Treaty and Convention. KCNA. March 12, 2009. March 14, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090402023049/http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200903/news12/20090312-11ee.html . April 2, 2009.
  21. Web site: ICAO officially advised of DPRK plans for rocket launch. ICAO. March 12, 2009. March 14, 2009.
  22. Web site: China urges N Korea to resume talks. Al Jazeera English. March 20, 2009. March 29, 2009.
  23. Web site: 朝鲜四月六日至八日期间发射卫星. https://web.archive.org/web/20090402051525/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2009-03/30/content_11097944.htm . dead . April 2, 2009 . 新华网. March 30, 2009. March 30, 2009.
  24. Web site: 北ミサイル 発射施設周辺の写真公表. MSN産経ニュース. March 30, 2009. March 30, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090402084405/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/world/america/090330/amr0903301116003-p1.htm. April 2, 2009.
  25. Web site: 朝鲜火箭填料. https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050129/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2009-04/03/content_11121219.htm. dead. April 6, 2009. 新华网. April 3, 2009. April 3, 2009.
  26. Web site: 朝中社说朝鲜马上就要发射卫星 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090408013802/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2009-04/04/content_11130148.htm. dead. April 8, 2009. 新华网. April 4, 2009. April 4, 2009.
  27. News: Japan red-faced over mistaken N.Korean rocket report. reuters. April 4, 2009. April 4, 2008 . Linda . Sieg.
  28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7984254.stm North Korea space launch 'fails'
  29. Web site: NORAD and USNORTHCOM monitor North Korean launch. United States Northern Command. April 5, 2009. April 5, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121017015121/http://www.northcom.mil/News/2009/040509.html. October 17, 2012.
  30. Web site: Russian space control: DPRK satellite not placed in orbit. April 6, 2009. Xinhua News Agency. April 6, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090408021058/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/06/content_11138713.htm. April 8, 2009.
  31. Web site: The Predicted Path of North Korea's Launch Vehicle . Union of Concerned Scientists . April 11, 2012 . April 10, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130404013637/http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_weapons_and_global_security/missile_defense/technical_issues/the-predicted-path-of-north.html . April 4, 2013 .
  32. News: North Korea fires long-range rocket: reports. The Sydney Morning Herald. April 5, 2009. April 5, 2009.
  33. News: North Korea Seeks Political Gain From Rocket Launch. The New York Times. April 6, 2009. April 7, 2009 . Choe . Sang-Hun . Helene . Cooper . David E. . Sanger.
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  35. Web site: High five: Messages from North Korea. https://web.archive.org/web/20090323041853/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/KC19Dg01.html. unfit. March 23, 2009. Asia Times Online. March 19, 2009. March 28, 2009.
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  37. https://web.archive.org/web/20090409004311/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/06/stories/2009040651330100.htm Controversial satellite launch by North Korea triggers alarm
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  40. Web site: http://www.rian.ru/science/20090405/167118107.html. ru:Спутник КНДР передает на Землю песни о Ким Ир Сене и Ким Чен Ире. ru. April 5, 2009. RIA Novosti. April 5, 2009.
  41. Web site: North Korea used dummy satellite, South Korean experts say. Kirk . Donald . April 7, 2009. The Christian Science Monitor. April 14, 2009.
  42. http://www.defence.pk/forums/military-forum/24816-north-korea-did-not-put-satellite-orbit-russia.html "North Korea did not put satellite in orbit: Russia"
  43. http://news.sina.com.cn/w/2015-03-03/092331561148.shtml 朝14名飞行员因卫星发射事故牺牲 金正恩纪念 (14 fighter pilots from North Korea had sacrificed due to satellite launch incident. Kim Jong Un commemorates.)
  44. Web site: 조선인민군 최고사령관 김정은동지께서 오중흡7련대칭호를 수여받은 조선인민군 항공 및 반항공군 제447군부대를 찾으시고 전투비행사들과 함께 식수를 하시였다 . March 3, 2015 . May 21, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150521121635/http://www.uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?ptype=songun&no=2179 . dead .
  45. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7988939.stm N Korea celebrates rocket launch
  46. http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200904/news08/20090408-14ee.html Pyongyang Mass Rally Held
  47. http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2009/200908/news05/20090805-09ee.html Stamp on Artificial Satellite Kwangmyongsong No. 2 Published
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  50. [NATO]
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