North Korea Reaffirms Right to Space Exploration

North Korea has restated its legal right to explore outer space, marking the third anniversary of a revised space development law that expanded its mission to include defense capabilities.

In a statement published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Jang Song-chol, a dean at Kim Il Sung University, highlighted the 2022 parliamentary amendment that laid the legal groundwork for advancing North Korea’s space ambitions.

According to Jang, the legislative revision has accelerated the country’s space industry and reinforced its sovereignty in space exploration. He also emphasized the importance of cultivating legal expertise in space law to support the country's long-term goals.

North Korea has been increasing its focus on research and education in space law to align its space activities with both domestic and international regulations. The country insists it is fully entitled to become a major space power.

In November 2023, North Korea launched a military reconnaissance satellite and pledged to send three more into orbit by the end of 2024. However, those plans have not materialized, with a failed satellite launch in May 2024 casting doubt on the program’s progress.