Kim Jong Un of North Korea Announces Readiness to Launch Spy Satellite

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the country’s first military reconnaissance satellite and approved plans for its launch, according to state-run media. The visit was Kim’s first public appearance since overseeing the development of the satellite a month ago. The North has conducted weapons tests at a record pace since the beginning of 2022, including the launch last month of its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts say could present new challenges for missile defense systems. Pyongyang has condemned the expansion of joint military exercises by South Korea and the US as preparation for an invasion.