North Korea amended its Law on Space Development in August 2022, significantly expanding provisions on space development goals and management while explicitly linking these efforts to national defense, Daily NK has learned.
The amended law, obtained by Daily NK, introduces defense-related language across multiple sections. Article 1 now includes language about “contributing to strengthening the nation’s defensive strength,” while Article 3 emphasizes the “self-defensive national defense power” aspect of space development. Article 8 requires state guidance agencies to promote space projects that enhance national defense capabilities.
However, the law appears to address international concerns about North Korea’s space program. Article 2 specifically excludes sounding rockets and ballistic missiles from its definition of “space objects,” and Article 4 mandates compliance with international safety standards for launching and operating space vehicles.
The legislation details the structure of space development oversight in Articles 7 and 8. State guidance agencies are granted comprehensive authority over all aspects of space development, from planning and supervision to guiding the design, production, assembly, launch, and operation of space objects.
The law also emphasizes human resource development through Article 38, which directs national education agencies to establish systems for cultivating space science expertise. Article 40 provides legal backing for social preferences for space developers, apparently aiming to motivate and retain specialized talent.
“The amended law attempts to frame space development as separate from military objectives while simultaneously codifying its national defense purposes,” says Hwang Hyun-uk, senior researcher at Daily NK’s AND Center. “Externally, North Korea wants to project the image of a normal country, while internally focusing on systematizing space development organizations and state-level talent training.
“This reflects their strategy of blurring the line between peaceful space development and military applications to strengthen internal unity while advancing their external agenda,” Hwang added.
The amended law also significantly expands disciplinary measures. Article 47 outlines eight punishable offenses, including:
- Failing to meet research plans, unauthorized plan modifications, or false progress reports
- Accidents caused by technical regulation violations during launches or operations
- Leaking space development secrets
Article 48 specifies that serious violations will face criminal prosecution. These provisions appear designed to ensure strict adherence to protocols and maintain tight control over space development projects.
Read the full text of the law in Korean here.
January 14, 2025 at 04:00AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)