Satellite images suggest North Korea has finished the latest
upgrade to its Sohae launching and rocket testing station in the country's
west, analysts say.
Analysis
published on the website 38 North says that workers appear to have finished
building a moving support structure that's approximately 24 meters long, 30
meters wide and 33 meters high.
The structure
would be used to erect the elements of the rocket, before transporting them to the
launch tower for the final assembly and inspection.
Analysts say the
upgrade allows the site to accommodate larger satellite launch vehicles than
the UNHA-3 SLV, which has been used in the past.
The images also
show what appears to be a shelter, which 38 North says could be used to conceal
activity on a nearby railway line.
Work on the Sohae station has been underway since early 2013,
after a launch which North Korea claims successfully
put a satellite into orbit.
North Korean
rocket scientists have told CNN that they have satellites
ready to launch as soon as they receive instructions to do so.
Most observers
think that order could be given in early October, when massive celebrations are
underway in the country to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean Worker's
Party (KWP).
North Korea has
said it will make all the necessary notifications in advance of any satellite
launch.
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