Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations and GS-III Science and technology
Context: North Korea performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy or Reconnaissance satellite.
This is the second such tests in about a week, indicating the country intends to conduct a prohibited long-range rocket launch soon.
North Korea has been carrying out a spate of ballistic missile launches.
Experts call it an attempt to add new weapons systems to its arsenal and pressure the U.S. into making concessions amid stalled diplomacy.
Reconnaissance satellite
Intelligence satellite, commonly referred to as a spy satellite is an Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications.
Some of its Types and their uses
Missile early warning: Provides warning of an attack by detecting ballistic missile launches. Earliest known are Missile Defense Alarm System.
Nuclear explosion detection: Detects nuclear detonation from space. Vela is the earliest known.
Optical imaging surveillance: Earth imaging satellites. Satellite images can be a survey or close-look telephoto. Corona is the earliest known.
Reconnaissance satellites have been used to enforce human rights, through the Satellite Sentinel Project, which monitors atrocities in Sudan and South Sudan.
To operate a reconnaissance satellite, North Korea must launch a long-range rocket to put it into orbit.
But the UN bans such a launch by North Korea because it considers that as a cover for testing its long-range missile technology.
