Tongch'ang-ri Launch Facility, North Korea.

The satellite image to the right is a DigitalGlobe 50cm resolution natural color image of the North Korean launch site at Tongchang-ri that was acquired on March 28th, 2012. DigitalGlobe imagery taken confirms a higher level of activity within the overall facility and significant activity at the launch pad specifically. This activity appears consistent with preparations for a satellite launch.

The satellite image to the left is of the Tongch'ang-ri Launch Facility acquired on April 12th, 2012. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) recent announcement of its intentions to conduct a satellite launch during the middle of April has focused the world’s attention upon the Tongch’ang-ri Launch Facility, which is located on the nation’s northwest coast. Recently published reports indicate that the DPRK has placed the rocket on the launch pad. There has been increased activity on the launch pad today, including a greater number of vehicles at the site. This image was taken just before a weather system moved into the area, which may compromise the launch.

Providing a virtual presence is what DigitalGlobe does best, by rapidly delivering shareable, high-resolution imagery to provide up to date coverage of events on the ground. Photo credit: Image (c) 2012 DigitalGlobe, Inc.