Fri. Sep 29th, 2023
The Fate of North Korea’s First Satellite

North Korea’s first-ever satellite, the Kwangmyongsong-3-2 (KMS-3-2), is expected to deorbit and break apart in the Earth’s atmosphere soon. This assessment comes from experts who have been studying the satellite’s condition after spending over a decade in space.

The available evidence suggests that the KMS-3-2 has not been operational since its launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2012. Additionally, the DPRK faced two failed attempts this year to launch a new military spy satellite into orbit.

Given the lack of activity and technical failures, it is highly likely that the KMS-3-2 will no longer serve any functional purpose in its current state. As such, it is anticipated to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrate.

The lifespan of satellites can vary, and their operational capabilities eventually diminish over time. It is not uncommon for these devices to become non-functional or be deliberately decommissioned. In the case of the KMS-3-2, its longevity in space has reached its limit, and it is now expected to meet its demise.

While there is limited information available on the KMS-3-2’s current state, experts continue to monitor its trajectory and anticipate its eventual reentry. As this is North Korea’s first satellite, its fate in space has garnered attention worldwide. The disintegration of the KMS-3-2 will mark the end of an era for the DPRK’s space program, highlighting the challenges and complexities of satellite operations.

It is important to note that space debris and the safe disposal of satellites remain significant concerns globally. As technology advances and more nations venture into space exploration, the responsible management of these devices becomes paramount.