Pyongyang plays hide and seek with observation satellites

Pyongyang  hide and seek . Analysts studying the data of commercial satellites that orbit the Earth are often reduced to speculate on ballistic and North Korean nuclear capabilities since Pyongyang perfects his camouflage techniques.

Satellite images have been around for decades but were long at almost exclusive use of the state and military. It is only since the beginning of the 21st century as commercial images are available for civilians. Pictures taken by companies such as DigitalGlobe and DS Airbus has opened new opportunities to learn more about one of the most hermetic countries worldwide.

The nuclear test site of Punggye-ri, in the northeast, and the launch site Sohae satellites in the northwest, are the main monitored places. “From the beginning, the analysis requests documented Pyongyang  surpassed those for other country, except perhaps Iran,” told AFP Allison Puccioni, satellite imagery analyst. “The fervor in media especially around the site of Punggye-ri, is unmatched.” Analysts must have strong knowledge in areas such as nuclear fuel cycles or advanced weapons systems. Over time, the North Koreans “have implemented new measures of concealment,” continues Ms. Puccioni. “They are clearly aware of the orbital paths of satellites and operate according to avoid detection.” Work at night or in bad weather are also good ways to hide. In a message posted on the website 38 North of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Jack Liu analyst notes that the fourth North Korean nuclear test has taken the international community completely by surprise. “Unlike the 2013 trial, when had seen a revival of the weeks activities, very little activity was visible” before January 6, he wrote.

  –Improved accuracy

“The North Koreans have continued to improve operational safety and camouflage procedures, limiting what can be seen by commercial satellites.” The site 38 North is specialized in the analysis of satellite imagery of Pyongyang , also studied by IHS Jane’s and the Institute for International Security and Science, Washington. Jenny Town, 38 North, said the North Koreans quickly adapted to satellites. “They know what we want, when they learned when not to do things,” she told AFP. The North has covered or moved some structures to hide from view. This is the case especially Sohae. A rocket can now be transported, assembled, erected on a pad and escape the goals. “We see the movement, but we do not know what is moved, or if something is actually moved,” she added Town. In preparation for the first successful firing of North Korean rocket in December 2012, satellite images showed the three-stage rocket on the launch pad. The craft shot Sunday has never been photographed. A picture dated the day before just showing a truck containing “maybe” on the third floor.

RESPONSE. “This is due to the camouflage techniques. They did not show what happened during the hours of satellites”, further emphasizes the analyst. Pyongyang concealment efforts are partially offset by technical progress. In June 2014, US federal law allowed companies to sell images with a resolution of 25 centimeters per pixel, a degree of accuracy improved by 400% compared to the existing. Other tools, radar and infrared imaging. “With radar, we return including hidden items because they pierce camouflage,” Ms. Puccioni. Meanwhile, the number of companies that provide these images increases. Over the next five years, about 70 new satellites will be launched, which will add to the 14 machines already in orbit. “The constellation will be much bigger,” she says.

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