North Korea has made significant changes to its legislation in the field of space activities, lifting the ban on the use of outer space for military purposes. As reported by the analytical platform 38 North, corresponding amendments were made back in 2022 year, however, became known only now thanks to smartphone software analysis, sold in the DPRK in 2024 year.
In the new version of the cosmic law, wording was removed, which limited activities in space to exclusively peaceful purposes. Instead, provisions on the use of countermeasures against states appeared in the law, that carry out “unfriendly actions”, which indicates a more aggressive vector in the country's space policy.
As a result of the reforms, the number of articles in the law increased from 23 to 48, which indicates the expansion of the legal framework in the field of space activities. Analysts 38 North is celebrated, that the DPRK demonstrates maturity and systematicity in the formation of its own space strategy, focused not only on scientific or symbolic achievements, but also on military capabilities.
We will remind, in 2023 North Korea announced the successful launch of a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, which became part of the strategy, aimed at the active militarization of space against the background of similar actions by the United States, China and Russia.
The official North Korean mass media confirmed the fact of updating the space legislation, however, the contents of the changes were not made public, which further emphasizes the closedness of the country in matters of security and defense potential.