Sohae Satellite Launch Station New Construction Project – 38 North: North Korea’s Informed Analysis

Commercial satellite imagery shows increased construction work at North Korea’s Sohae satellite launch site. Several new projects around the Coastal Launchpad area have already begun, while work on long-term projects continues.

Although new construction is taking place around the site, the coastal launch pad where the last three satellite launch attempts were conducted appears to be readily available. The South Korean military recently stated that launch preparations may be underway, but no signs of an imminent launch have been observed. In addition, North Korea did not submit any application to affect the restricted area or launch window, as it had done with previous launches.

coastal launch pad

The coastal launch pad itself seemed quiet, with no indication that a launch was imminent. That is, it may be ready for use at any time.

Just south of the launch pad, work is already underway. Road construction continues, including the construction of a new revetment where the main road splits into two separate roads leading to the harbour.

The smaller branch of the road, first identified last October, now leads to a new construction area. There, the foundations for three new buildings have been laid, along with two new concrete pads. These structures are located at the end of new hairpin bends, emphasizing the steepness of the descent in this area. Although dirt is filling in to the area around and between the pads, the pads are currently unattached, making the area’s final footprint unknown.

The existing coastal launch pad is about 5,000 square meters. Although the new construction area is significantly smaller, the prospect of it becoming a second coastal launch pad cannot be ruled out.

Approximately 1.3 kilometers northwest of the existing launch pad, new construction has emerged on a site previously used as a VIP viewing area.

The walls of the protective berm have been reconfigured to surround the new building being constructed. The image shows that the building consists of several large rooms. This configuration may indicate a new control center or possibly a combined launch observation and control center.

That’s according to photos of Kim Jong-un observing the last satellite launch at the site, a VIP viewing area. Until recently, there was no sign of further construction. It’s unclear whether the area’s improvements were always planned or were directed during leadership inspections.

In addition, a dump truck is parked at the site. Small trees have been planted on top of the berm, except for the portion that blocks the view of the launch pad.

Tunnels and possible new level assembly building

Work continues on the East-West Tunnel, which will connect the secure West Sea facility to the coastal highway.

At the east entrance, the road out of the tunnel has been graded and prepared for paving. Since the end of March, two temporary support buildings and construction materials have been removed in the surrounding area. Water is still visible on the road, indicating workers are still dealing with wet conditions inside the tunnel. This situation can get worse during rainy summer months. Pumps may still be needed inside the tunnel to help manage water.

At the west entrance, a number of roof trusses can be seen at various locations around the entrance. They may be used to expand the tunnel’s footprint further west than it currently is.

In possible new horizontally prefabricated buildings, the work on the walls appears to be largely complete and only the roof needs to be added.

assembly building

At the old horizontal assembly building, several individuals and a crane were observed in the courtyard on the north side of the building. They were apparently loading and unloading concrete columns into and from trucks. The distinctive blue and white water tank remains in the courtyard on the south side of the building. Their contents remain unknown.

port

At the seaport, work progressed slowly but steadily. The latest images provide a better look at some of the offshore blocks next to the marina construction work. The pier is unchanged from our previous analysis, but uncovered patches and wet sand on the adjacent beach help reveal the extent of tidal retreat.

The port’s intended configuration remains unclear, but if it is to be used at any time of the day or night, tidal effects will have to be addressed. This can be done by dredging to create a deeper channel or surrounding the area with tide pools and locking in and out.

Railway track and security building

Several trams can be seen on the tracks outside the launch center’s main entrance. None appear to be related to launch vehicle components, but not all are open gondolas.