The images would show, among other things, that the construction of the so-called Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) and water drainage systems in the vicinity of the reactor is underway, which could indicate that the cooling system of the reactor is in testing phase.
‘significant expansion’
Earlier this week, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un visited another nuclear factory that makes bombs, among other things, and said he wanted to “significantly expand” North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. Furthermore, North Korea would be ready to deploy nuclear weapons “anytime, anywhere”. Kim Jong-un’s visit coincided with several tests of ballistic missiles, which can also be used to fire nuclear warheads.
The existing nuclear reactor at the Yongbyon site – which has a capacity of 5 MWe – has been operating non-stop since 2021. Satellite images also show that a new nuclear waste building is under construction.