The Kyodo news agency said Monday that the North had notified the Japanese coastguard of a launch window between November 22 and December 1 -- despite South Korea warning Pyongyang to immediately stop preparations for what would be a third attempt to launch a spy satellite.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told government ministries and agencies to fully prepare for a possible North Korean launch, Kyodo said citing the prime minister's office.

Earlier this month, Seoul's spy agency said that Pyongyang was in the final stages of preparations for another effort to put a military eye in the sky.

"We sternly warn North Korea to... immediately suspend the current preparations to launch a military spy satellite," Kang Ho-pil, chief director of operations at the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Monday.

"If North Korea goes ahead with the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite despite our warning, our military will take necessary measures to guarantee the lives and safety of the people."

After a failed second attempt in August, Pyongyang said it would carry out the third launch in October, though it never materialised.

South Korea has said Pyongyang is providing Moscow with arms in exchange for Russian space technology.