North Korea confirms new tests on spy satellite

North Korea performed data transmission and other key tests needed to develop a spy satellite, state media says, in the second such tests in about a week, indicating the country intends to conduct a prohibited long-range rocket launch soon.

The moves come as North Korea has been carrying out a spate of ballistic missile launches — including one detected by its neighbors on Saturday — in what experts call an attempt to add new weapons systems to its arsenal and pressure the United States into making concessions amid stalled diplomacy.

The North’s Korean Central News Agency says it conducted “another important test” yesterday under its plan to develop a reconnaissance satellite. It says authorities tested the satellite’s data transmission and reception system and its ground-based control systems.