North Korea no longer bans military use of space for defense purposes

This file photo shows North Korea launching a Chollima-1 carrier rocket transporting the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Tongchang-ri in November 2023

North Korea lifted a ban on the military use of space for national defense purposes by amending its space development law in 2022, analysis by 38 North, a U.S.-based organization monitoring the nuclear-armed nation revealed Sunday.

Language opposing the militarization of space and limiting its use to peaceful purposes was removed, while the revised law includes a warning that countermeasures will be taken against any country attempting unfriendly acts, the analysis said.

As the United States, Russia and China have advanced the military use of space, North Korea claims to have put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit for the first time in 2023, underscoring its stance of actively promoting the domain.

The organization obtained a smartphone sold in 2024 in North Korea. The device contained an app referencing the law, making the details of the legal reforms clear and showing that the number of articles in the law has increased from 23 to 48.

A researcher at 38 North said the amendment suggests North Korea’s space strategy is maturing. The results of the analysis are expected to be posted on the organization’s website soon.

The space development law was enacted in 2013. North Korean state-run media reported that it has been revised but has not provided specifics.