. Military Space News .
MILPLEX
N. Korea steps up tunnelling at nuclear test site: monitor
by Staff Writers
Seoul (AFP) Jan 12, 2018


North Korea has stepped up tunnelling at its main nuclear test site, a US think tank said, even as tensions cool on the peninsula following the resumption of long-stalled inter-Korean dialogue.

Satellite images showed increased activity at the Punggye-ri site, with mining carts and personnel frequently visible, and excavation waste piles growing, the respected 38North website said Thursday.

"These activities underscore North Korea's continued efforts to maintain the Punggye-ri site's potential for future nuclear testing," it said.

The last five of Pyongyang's six nuclear tests have been carried out under Mount Mantap at Punggye-ri in the country's north-west, all of them at the North Tunnel.

After a series of small earthquakes in the area, 38North said last October that the site may be suffering from the geological condition "Tired Mountain Syndrome".

The syndrome refers to the effect of below-ground nuclear blasts on the surrounding rock, which is extensively fractured and becomes increasingly permeable.

The latest pictures indicated the North Tunnel was "dormant" with water draining from its entrance, but that "tunnel excavation has been stepped up at the West Portal".

Elsewhere at the site there was unusual activity with some 100-120 personnel lined up in formation in the courtyard, their purpose unknown.

The images were taken in December, shortly before North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un gave a New Year speech warning US President Donald Trump of a "nuclear button" on his desk, while also offering to hold talks with Seoul.

The olive branch led to the first official dialogue between the two Koreas in more than two years, and an agreement for Pyongyang to send a delegation to next month's Winter Olympics in the South.

The apparent rapprochement came after months of confrontation, during which Pyongyang carried out multiple missile tests and by far its biggest nuclear detonation to date.

But North Korea made no promises on its weapons programme at the talks, and lashed out when asked about denuclearisation by South Korean journalists, saying it was not up for discussion.

"The target of all our nuclear and hydrogen bombs and ICBMs and all other sophisticated weapons is the US," the North's chief delegate Ri Son-Gwon said.

Since Kim inherited power in 2011, North Korea has made rapid progress towards its goal of developing a missile that can deliver an atomic warhead to the United States, which significantly strengthens its negotiating position.

MILPLEX
State Department approves potential weapons sale to Mexico
Washington (UPI) Jan 8, 2018
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of both RAM and Harpoon missiles to Mexico. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced approval the $98.4 million sale in a press release Friday, after notifying Congress of the potential sale. Mexico is looking to procure six RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, which are all-weather, ... read more

Related Links
The Military Industrial Complex at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

MILPLEX
Turkey commissions study for future missile defense system

Saudi Arabia intercepts Yemen rebel ballistic missile

Saudi intercepts ballistic missile near Yemen border: state media

Russia accuses US of breaking treaty over defence system sale to Japan

MILPLEX
State Department approves $133.3M missile sale to Japan

Raytheon to support Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile for U.S., NATO partners

Raytheon awarded contracts for missiles in support of foreign countries

India buys Israeli missiles ahead of Netanyahu visit

MILPLEX
Drone attack on Russian bases in Syria, no casualties: Moscow

Air Force to upgrade Reaper drone fleet as the Predator begins retirement

Northrop Grumman tapped to deliver three Triton UAVs

General Atomics receives more than $328.8M for drone systems

MILPLEX
Military defense market faces new challenges to acquiring SatCom platforms

Harris contracted by Army for radios for security force assistance brigades

Joint Hellas-Sat-4 and SaudiGeoSat-1 satellite ready for environmental tests

Government outsourcing disrupts space as SatComm services commercialised

MILPLEX
US troops stage #MeTooMilitary protest outside Pentagon

Too fat to march: Spanish Legion soldiers put on diet

Environmentally safe red glare rocket changes fireworks, soldier technology

Orbital ATK awarded $23M to support penetrating weapons

MILPLEX
Congress to receive update from Pentagon as agency audit begins

Netanyahu set to lead trade task force to India

Italy acquits former Finmeccanica chief in corruption case

State Department approves potential weapons sale to Mexico

MILPLEX
India to court ASEAN leaders as it seeks edge over China

Macron urges European unity to face rising China

Philippines to protest over China activity on reclaimed reef

Macron endorses China's Silk Road but warns against 'hegemony'

MILPLEX
Silver nanoparticles take spectroscopy to new dimension

Researchers find simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide onto gold nanorods

Discovery sets new world standard in nano generators

A 100-fold leap to GigaDalton DNA nanotech









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.