North Korea's First Spy Satellite Confirmed Operational

Experts confirm the Malligyong-1 satellite's maneuverability in orbit, challenging previous assessments of its inactivity.

North Korea's Malligyong-1 spy satellite, previously thought to be inactive, has been confirmed to be operational and capable of maneuvering in orbit.
The satellite's ability to adjust its orbit, including raising its perigee, indicates it has a propulsion system, a feature not previously known.
Despite claims from North Korea of photographing sensitive sites, no imagery has been released, and independent trackers have not detected signals from the satellite.
Experts are divided on the satellite's capabilities, but its maneuverability suggests North Korea has control over it.
South Korea's Defense Ministry remains skeptical of the satellite's functionality, while North Korea plans to launch three more spy satellites in 2024.