Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Rodong Sinmun
CNN's Will Ripley sits down with scientists from the National Aeronautical Development Association (NADA), North Korea's space agency. NADA officials gave CNN exclusive access to a newly opened satellite control center.
CNN's Will Ripley sits down with scientists from the National Aeronautical Development Association (NADA), North Korea's space agency. NADA officials gave CNN exclusive access to a newly opened satellite control center.
Will Ripley/CNN
NADA's new, futuristic-looking building is located in a residential area not far from the center of Pyongyang.
NADA's new, futuristic-looking building is located in a residential area not far from the center of Pyongyang.
Will Ripley/CNN
The space program's two top scientists are dressed in smart, newly designed uniforms. They wear a red pin on the left side of the jacket with the portraits of former leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il. Pinned on the right side is NADA's logo, which bares a striking similarity to NASA, its counterpart in the land of its great enemy -- the United States.
The space program's two top scientists are dressed in smart, newly designed uniforms. They wear a red pin on the left side of the jacket with the portraits of former leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il. Pinned on the right side is NADA's logo, which bares a striking similarity to NASA, its counterpart in the land of its great enemy -- the United States.
Will Ripley/CNN
Some international observers have speculated the satellite control center is actually a military facility, but its appearance, at least on the surface -- without heavy barriers or visible armed presence -- suggests otherwise.
Some international observers have speculated the satellite control center is actually a military facility, but its appearance, at least on the surface -- without heavy barriers or visible armed presence -- suggests otherwise.
Will Ripley/CNN
The scientists suggest sitting down in the mostly empty parking lot instead of going into the building for the interview. They said NADA has prepared multiple satellites, and that they are in the "final stages of perfecting all operations." They wouldn't reveal a specific time frame, but did claim the launch is "imminent."
The scientists suggest sitting down in the mostly empty parking lot instead of going into the building for the interview. They said NADA has prepared multiple satellites, and that they are in the "final stages of perfecting all operations." They wouldn't reveal a specific time frame, but did claim the launch is "imminent."
Will Ripley/CNN
Two officials walk across the facility. Kim Gun Song (not pictured), who is in charge of the satellite control center, said they "believe the threat to world security does not come from the peaceful launches of satellites from North Korea, but...from other countries who are trying to use outer space for military purposes."
Two officials walk across the facility. Kim Gun Song (not pictured), who is in charge of the satellite control center, said they "believe the threat to world security does not come from the peaceful launches of satellites from North Korea, but...from other countries who are trying to use outer space for military purposes."
Will Ripley/CNN
Kim Jong Un is pictured in front of a large painting of his father and former leader, Kim Jong Il, posing next to a satellite inside the satellite control center.
Kim Jong Un is pictured in front of a large painting of his father and former leader, Kim Jong Il, posing next to a satellite inside the satellite control center.
Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un is pictured smiling during his visit to the satellite control center.
Kim Jong Un is pictured smiling during his visit to the satellite control center.
Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un inspects models and illustrations of rockets inside the satellite control center.
Kim Jong Un inspects models and illustrations of rockets inside the satellite control center.
Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un is pictured during his visit inside the satellite control center.
Kim Jong Un is pictured during his visit inside the satellite control center.
Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Rodong Sinmun
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, poses in front the satellite control center during an undated visit believed to be earlier this year.
Rodong Sinmun